BWW Interviews: TRU Premieres for One-Night Only at Washington County Playhouse

Though notable author Truman Capote passed away in 1984, he vividly comes to life in Jay Presson Allen's one-man show TRU. Actor Michael-Anthony Nozzi will return to the stage at Washington County Playhouse in Hagerstown, MD and portray Capote in this electric one-man show for a one-night only performance on July 23.

Directed by Brian Robert Harris, TRU takes place entirely in Truman Capote's New York City apartment during the week before Christmas in 1975. A section of Capote's infamous novel, Answered Prayers, has been published in Esquire magazine and all of Capote's friends recognize weakly disguised, alternate versions of themselves in the nationally known story. As they once considered him a close friend, everyone is severely hurt and all of Capote's friends desert him right before the holiday. Left alone in his apartment, Capote reflects on his personal life and career while popping pills and consuming alcohol and chocolate truffles. "Anyone who likes theater or pop culture, particularly show business history would enjoy this intimate "visit" with Truman Capote" said Washington County Playhouse owner Shawn R. Martin.

TRU opened on Broadway in 1989 and ran for 297 performances. Starring Robert Morse (best known for originating the role of Finch in How to Succeed.....) the production won a Drama Desk Award and Morse won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his portrayal. The performance was filmed in 1992 for the PBS series American Playhouse. Morse served as a Creative Consultant for the version of the production of TRU premiering at the Washington County Playhouse.

"This is a production that [area] audiences can't see anywhere else and Tony Award Winner Robert Morse served as Creative Consultant on this production. Nozzi is apparently wonderful in the role of Capote. I can't wait to see it myself!" said Martin

Michael-Anthony Nozzi, portraying Truman Capote in the current production, has previously performed at the Totem Pole Playhouse and formerly owned and operated The Hitching Post Inn Dinner Theater and The Winter Garden Dinner Theater. Nozzi currently resides in Hollywood, California and though he now tours nationally performing the show, he has a special connection to the Washington County Playhouse. Nozzi previously performed in, directed and choreographed many shows at the Washington County Playhouse for thirteen years and now, almost twenty years later, will return to perform this one-man show on the same stage.

TRU is also not a part of the standard Washington County Playhouse 31st Season. The production occurs for one-night only as a special solo performance and will not run for multiple weekends as a Main Stage Dinner Theater show. "This performance is different because we did not produce it in-house. It has played at least two different venues in Hollywood and LA and we're fortunate that Michael wanted to bring it to us while he is visiting the area" said Martin.

The special one night only performance of TRU will occur on Thursday, July 23 at the Washington County Playhouse, located at 44 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD. Tickets for the performance are $39 and include salad bar, hot buffet and dessert. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. For more information about the production or to make reservations, please call the box office at (301) 739-7469 or visit www.wcpdt.com. TRU contains adult language.

Photo Credit: Washington County Playhouse

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