Truman Capote was, without a doubt, a talented writer. His books and stories included “In Cold Blood,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Grass Harp” to name a few. He was also a major presence in New York City’s world of celebrity gatherings and social events in the late 60s and early 70s.
“Tru” by Jay Presson Allen takes place on Dec. 23rd and 24th, 1975 in Capote’s East Side apartment (beautifully designed by Thomas L. Valach) overlooking the U.N. and the lights of mid-town Manhattan. But it is not a joyous holiday for Tru, as his friends often called him, because he has been totally ostracized by the society ladies with whom he had so enjoyed spending time. Names like Gloria Vanderbilt, ‘Babe’ Paley and Lee Radziwill had turned their backs on him after a couple of chapters from his new book were published in Esquire magazine. Over the years of intimate friendships and personal confessions, he had been taking studious notes and had turned their private lives into barely disguised fiction. To them, it was a total betrayal. To Capote, he was a writer and “everything was grist for the mill.” This is not to say that his phone isn’t still ringing, but absent are the calls from those he considered his best friends and companions. In between the smart quips and zingers, there lingers a hurt which he can’t totally hide. But on Christmas Eve, after an exhausting night on the 23rd trying to keep up with Ava Gardner’s drinking, he manages to suppress his hangover and suck up his wounded ego and head out to a party where he can try once again to be at the center of all things social.
The author has assembled a variety of quotes from Capote’s numerous TV, radio and print interviews and arranged them into what feels like cohesive conversations on the phone, or into a recorder or just with himself. By doing so, she has allowed Capote to explain or attempt to excuse his behaviors, sometimes to others, or, just as often, to convince himself.
One of the hardest types of plays to pull off is the ‘one-man’ show. There are no other actors to remove you from the spotlight, even for a few seconds. I am happy to report that under David Youse’s tight direction, Chuck Yates gives an amazing and riveting performance as Capote. While not exactly a total look-alike, from his body language and frequent use of hand gestures to his eccentric vocal patterns and distinctive wardrobe, Yates has completely captured Capote’s essence. A performance as nuanced and layered as this one is, is truly a joy to watch and should not be missed.
Desert Ensemble Theatre’s production of “TRU” is playing at the Palm Springs cultural center through February 2, 2025. For tickets or further information, visit their website at: www.DesertEnsembleTheatre.org
Photos by Tara Howard