"Tru" at Dallas Theatre 3

Truman Capote

The Travelling Toe and two friends journeyed to Theatre 3 in Dallas to see the play "Tru".   The play written by Jay Allen Presson is based on the life and times of Truman Capote.  This play has Texas roots as Ms. Presson was born in San Angelo.  The play originally debuted on Broadway in 1991. The role of "Tru" was played by the always entertaining Jaston Williams, of Tuna, Texas fame.   He does an amazing job of bringing the character of Truman Capote to life. You can hear Truman's unusual vocal timbre in Jaston's portrayal.  There is one intriguing line after another and Jaston is the master of throwing them out to be savored by audience members. 

Here are just a few quotes from the play that The Travelling Toe was able to make note of:

         I'm back in town and am armed and dangerous 

         I've been to 7 parties in 2 days 

         Good taste is the death of art

                    I'm the Poet Laureate of the lavatory wall

                   I'm famous for being famous

          I collect paper weights, books and plaster cats

           I like to talk to myself about myself

In the play, Tru is often on the phone talking to some unknown person about the situation going on in his life.  Tru is struggling with being shunned by his former "friends" due to the publication of the first chapter of  his new book,"Answered Prayers".  It details secrets of the lives of the rich and famous and they are not pleased with what Truman has written about them in this book.  He also talks about his unusual childhood and upbringing with 3 maiden aunts in a rural town in Alabama and then going back to live with his Mother in New Orleans.  Tru talks about his alcohol  and drug habits and how many times he has "dried" out but only to slip back into old habits.  

Truman was born on September 30, 1924 in New Orleans and passed away in Bel-Air CA.  During his life time, he wrote at least 19 books.  His three top selling books were, "In Cold Blood" in 1965, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" in 1958 and "A Christmas Memory" in 1956.

This was an entertaining and fun play with a hint of a dark side.  Jaston was brilliant in his role and Ms. Presson write some wonderful dialogue.  Well worth the small price of the ticket.


Theatre 3 Dallas

Jaston Williams as "Tru"

Jay Allen Presson