Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is set to embody the legendary author Truman Capote in the highly anticipated New York revival of 'Tru.' This one-man play, penned by Jay Presson Allen, originally captivated audiences with Robert Morse's Tony-winning performance in 1989. Ferguson, widely recognized for his role in the hit television series 'Modern Family,' is also an acclaimed stage actor, having previously earned a Tony Award for his compelling work in 'Take Me Out.' The new production will be helmed by Rob Ashford, a distinguished director with multiple Tony, Emmy, and Olivier Awards to his name, known for his work on productions such as 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and 'Frozen.'
This exclusive six-week run is being brought to the stage by Seaview, OHenry Productions, and Mickey Liddell & Pete Shilaimon. The performances of 'Tru' are scheduled from March 6 to April 12, with the official opening night on Thursday, March 19. The chosen venue, the House of the Redeemer at 7 East 95th Street, is an exceptionally intimate setting, accommodating fewer than 100 people. The narrative of 'Tru' unfolds in December 1975, a period long after Capote achieved widespread fame for his seminal works like 'In Cold Blood' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s.' The play finds him in his New York apartment, grappling with the fallout from the serialized publication of chapters from 'Answered Prayers,' a controversial novel that alienated him from the elite social circles he once cherished. The script is uniquely crafted entirely from Capote’s actual words, offering an authentic glimpse into his psyche.
Ferguson expressed his profound connection to the role, stating, "I have long been fascinated by Truman Capote — both the man and his writing — and it is the honor of my career to be entrusted with playing him in the first New York revival of ‘Tru.’" He further elaborated on the vision for the production, sharing, "From the moment Rob Ashford and I first discussed the idea, I envisioned an intimate, environmental experience. I can’t wait for audiences to encounter this play up close in the uniquely intimate, historic House of the Redeemer." Director Rob Ashford revealed that his decision to direct stemmed from a charity staged reading of 'Tru' in Tangier, Morocco, in the summer of 2024, where Ferguson’s portrayal of Capote was "mesmerizing." Producers echoed this sentiment, highlighting Ferguson’s ability to channel "the dark truths of this brilliant, yet complicated, artist" and promising a theatrical event that will be remembered. The House of the Redeemer, itself a historical landmark built between 1914 and 1916 as the residence of Edith Shepard Fabbri, a direct descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt and a cousin to Capote’s friend Gloria Vanderbilt, provides a fitting and evocative backdrop for this exploration of Capote’s life.
The collaborative spirit and dedication evident in bringing 'Tru' to life highlight the enduring power of storytelling and the theatrical arts. Through this revival, audiences are invited to reflect on the complexities of human nature, the impact of fame, and the profound isolation that can accompany artistic genius. It serves as a reminder that even in vulnerability, there is a captivating strength, and that true artistic expression often emerges from the deepest personal struggles, offering invaluable insights into the human condition.