Todd Blakesley to Star in Diversionary Theatre's TRU, Beginning 11/20

Diversionary Theatre's production of Tru starring renowned local artist Todd Blakesley under the skilled direction of Derek Livingston has kicked off rehearsals and will open to preview audiences at Diversionary Theatre starting November 20th, 2014.

TRU offers a look into the mind of Truman Capote (Breakfast at Tiffany's, In Cold Blood), one of America's most controversial and colorful authors, as he swims in social shunning by his elite Manhattan friends following Esquire Magazine's publication of a gossip-filled chapter from his never-to-be finished work: Answered Prayers. Set in the writer's New York City apartment the week before Christmas 1975, the lonely Capote broods about his life and career in this one-man tour de force adapted from the author's own words and works.

In both of their Diversionary debuts, Blakesley and Livingston have partnered in animating this intensive 90-minute character-study adapted by Jay Presson Allen.

On playing the distinguished role Blakesley says:

"I'm delighted to slip into the skin of someone so unlike any character I ever expected to play, and to fill the stage with his extraordinary creative genius, his brilliant repartee against the dark current that would sweep away his final years. "

TRU opened on Broadway in 1989, where it ran at the Booth Theatre for nearly 300 performances and received multiple awards including a Tony for best solo performance, and a Drama Desk Award for best one-man show.

Special Performance events around the performance include:

• Discounted Preview performances: November 20th- 28th.
• Opening Night Black & White Ball Receptions: November 29th.
• FilmOut Screening of "Murder by Death": December 3rd.
• Backstage Thursday events (featuring behind-the-scene talks with the director and designers) December 4th, 11th, & 18th.
• Book Club night: December 5th.
• Industry night: December 8th.

TRU features Todd Blakesley as Truman Capote.

The creative team includes Cara Hanhurst (Assistant Director), Matt Scott (Set Design), Kevin Anthenill (Sound Design), Luke Olson (Lighting Design), Peter Herman (Wigs & Make-up Design), Angelica Ynfante (Prop Design).

Previews will begin November 20th. The production is scheduled to run through December 21st. Tickets are now available online at www.diversionary.org, by calling 619-220-0097 or in person by visiting 4545 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116. Single ticket prices ranges from $15-51 (Prices are subject to change).

ABOUT THE PERFORMER - Todd Blakesley (Truman Capote) A native San Diegan, Todd has worked in every strata of theater from administrative to creative: Festival Coordinator for the San Diego International Fringe Festival now entering its third year. Co-Creator with Write Out Loud of Twainfest, a free literary festival, just finished its 5th year. He's also served as Managing Director of Bowery/Blackfriars Theatre and Women's Repertory Theatre (which he co-founded). Artistic Director for three Actors Alliance Festivals. Dramaturge for Playwrights Project and ATHE.
His work as an actor, producer, director or playwright has been seen in California, Washington, Florida, Minnesota, New York and throughout the Canadian Fringe. He has performed locally at the San Diego REP, Moxie Theatre, Intrepid Shakespeare, North Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival. TRU marks his Diversionary debut. San Diego Theatre Crtitcs Circle nominations have included Best New Play (Cigars & Stripes - 1984) and Outstanding Featured Actor (Eurydice - Moxie Theatre 2010). Articles involving his plays The Laughing Buddha Wholistik Radio Theater (co-written with Burnham Joiner) and FritzCon 96 have appeared in American Theatre Magazine. Co-founder of Theatre Research & Development, Inc. and Artistic Director of its Crystal
Palace Theatre (1971-76), Todd developed his unique style of total immersion theater blending "actor" and "audience" into the same dramatic and ethereal situation. Most recent example: "A Patriot Act: The Trial of George W. Bush" at Sledgehammer Theatre (2006) and California Stage Company (Sacramento 2007). He is currently working on a new immersive science fiction play Dark Matter, which he hopes to workshop in the fall of 2015.

ABOUT DIVERSIONARY THEATRE - Diversionary Theatre was founded in 1986 to provide quality theatre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The mission of the theatre is to provide an inspiring and thought provoking theatrical platform to explore complex and diverse LGBT stories, which influence the larger cultural discussion. Diversionary Theatre is recognized as one of San Diego's best theaters. It is one of the most vibrant showcases of theatrical talent in the city. Our vision is to foster and amplify the next generation of LGBT voices providing live entertainment in a dynamic, inclusive, and provocative environment that celebrates and preserves our unique culture.

Watch a trailer for the production below!

Photo by Daren Scott.

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