A Tru story

He was the most celebrated American writer of his time. His most famous book, “In Cold Blood” created a whole new form of literature — the true-crime novel. He became the “life of the party” all around the world. No TV talk show was complete without Truman Capote, his “weird little voice” and his wicked little zingers about everyone and everything. 

“Tru,” directed by Eric Millegan, will bring you into Capote’s fascinating, funny and moving world during three live performances at the Newport Performing Arts Center, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19 through 21. 

The play, written by Jay Presson Allen and debuting in 1989, finds Capote in his New York City apartment on Christmas Eve, 1975. Esquire Magazine has just published a single chapter of an unfinished novel he has worked on for more than 20 years, “Answered Prayers,” meant to be a “tell-all and then some more” about his rich and famous friends. But when the rich and powerful all read that first chapter, overnight Capote became as hated as he had once been loved. While wrapping Christmas presents and decorating the tree — and swilling vodka - Capote takes stock of his extraordinary life. It’s a cautionary tale that will have you laughing and crying at the same time.

Millegan is best known as Zack Addy on the TV show “Bones.” He recently directed “The Fantastics” and “Tru” at the Anacortes Community Theatre in Washington.

Starring as Capote is Charles Michel, who began acting in the heyday of dinner theater in the 1970s. Along with directing and writing, he has made much of his living for more than 40 years doing commercial voiceovers. He has coached hundreds, if not thousands, of other actors on how to do the same. 

Performances of “Tru” are Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.

Tickets are $25.The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.