American Playhouse

Episode 1

Tru

Mon, Nov 23, 1992

A recording of a live performance of the Broadway play about two days in the life of Truman Capote during the time of the publication of his controversial story "Answered Prayers" in Esquire magazine in 1975. The one-man show takes place entirely in Capote's condominium in the United Nations Plaza in New York City. Set during Christmas, Capote talks on the phone to various friends, associates and businesses throughout the play. For the duration of the piece, however, he is speaking directly to the audience, breaking "the fourth wall," regarding his life, loves, friends, career and, most current to the time frame, his having been snubbed by his closest friends for revealing embarrassing details about them in "Answered Prayers." Actor Robert Morse, best known for originating the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying for which he won the 1962 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, portrays Truman Capote, and won his second Tony (Best Actor in a Play) in 1990 for his performance in TRU. Four voiceovers in the show are provided by Jayne Atkinson, Jill Choder, Sarah Schiff and the pre-fame Jeanne Tripplehorn.