Jesse Tyler Ferguson is set to take on the iconic role of Truman Capote in an immersive revival of the acclaimed play Tru, marking its first return to New York since its Broadway debut in 1989.
This exciting production will kick off next month with a six-week run comprising 34 performances, all under the direction of Rob Ashford. What makes this revival particularly special is its unique setting; it will be staged in a historic mansion on the Upper East Side, once owned by a descendant of the famed industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. Now known as the House of the Redeemer, this beautifully designed spiritual retreat is often chosen for film locations due to its elegant and stately interiors, which have graced shows like Gossip Girl.
Ferguson, widely recognized for his role on Modern Family and recently awarded a Tony Award for his performance in Take Me Out, will be performing in the mansion's library, providing an intimate experience for a small audience of just 99 attendees per show.
The production is slated to begin previews on March 6, with the official opening scheduled for March 19, running until April 12. The event is being produced by Seaview, OHenry Productions, along with Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon.
"Truman Capote has always fascinated me, both as a person and as a writer, so it’s truly a privilege to portray him in this first New York revival of Tru," Ferguson expressed in a statement. "From our initial conversation, Rob Ashford and I envisioned creating a deeply personal experience for those who attend. I eagerly anticipate sharing this play in such a uniquely intimate and historic venue."
Ashford added, "I had the incredible opportunity to direct Jesse during a one-night charity reading of Tru in Tangier, Morocco, back in the summer of 2024. He was absolutely captivating, brilliantly embodying the essence of Capote, with all his humor and sorrow. I am excited to further explore this exceptional collaboration between actor and character."
The play delves into a pivotal moment in December 1975 when Truman Capote finds himself isolated in his New York apartment, grappling with the fallout from a crisis that forced him out of the elite social circles he cherished. Drawing exclusively from Capote's own writings, this poignant and humorous one-man show presents an unflinching glimpse into the life of an artist facing the repercussions of his most controversial work.
Capote's expulsion from the high-society circles he loved, where he affectionately referred to women like Babe Paley, Lee Radziwill, and C.Z. Guest as his "swans," was also explored in Ryan Murphy’s recent series, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. This FX show recounted the aftermath of Capote's scandalous 1975 Esquire magazine article "La Côte Basque 1965," a chapter from his unfinished novel, Answered Prayers.
The producers shared their enthusiasm: "We can't wait for audiences to witness Jesse Tyler Ferguson's powerful portrayal of Truman Capote as he brings to life the complex truths of this brilliant yet troubled artist. Rob Ashford's exquisite staging within the intimate library, preserved from New York's Gilded Age, promises an unforgettable theatrical experience."
The House of the Redeemer was constructed between 1914 and 1916 as the urban home for Edith Shepard Fabbri, a great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt and a distant cousin of Gloria Vanderbilt, who, while not officially recognized as one of Capote’s swans, maintained a friendship with the writer until the controversy surrounding Esquire in 1975.
The original Tru opened on Broadway on December 14, 1989, at the Booth Theatre, featuring Robert Morse in the lead role, who garnered a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
The creative team behind this revival includes Mike Harrison for scenic design, Emily Schmit for lighting, Christopher Darbassie for sound, Kate Wilson as dialect coach, and Stephen Sposito as associate director, with Eloia Peterson serving as the production stage manager. Hudson Theatrical Associates is overseeing the production, with Jonathan Whitton and Christophe Desorbay of Seaview acting as General Managers.
Tru is produced by Seaview, OHenry Productions, and Mickey Liddell & Pete Shilaimon in collaboration with A Kid Named Beckett Productions.
