A new play, Truman Talks Nelle Harper Lee, will have its world premiere in Monroeville, Alabama at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 and a matinee performance on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m.
The setting is the iconic courthouse known worldwide by fans of Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird.
Written and performed by noted Broadway actor Joel Vig, the play's focus is on a fictional surprise 50th birthday celebration for Harper Lee in 1976.
Her childhood friend Truman Capote (portrayed by Vig), has returned to Monroeville to salute their personal and professional relationships of four decades, but Lee is not in attendance. Capote reveals his best friend with stories that will enchant and amaze. Will Harper Lee arrive before the party ends? Come see!
Joel Vig has played Truman Capote on multiple stages and this is a return appearance in Monroeville.
In 2008, he and Patricia Neal presented a moving performance of Capote's A Christmas Memory which was attended by Harper Lee.
His presentations of Capote Talks Tennessee Williams at New Orleans' Tennessee Williams Festival have won rave reviews.
Vig is a celebrated cabaret performer in New York and earned his theatrical reputation for roles on Broadway in the original casts of Hairspray and Ruthless, the Musical.
Tickets will go on sale Aug. 1 at the Old Courthouse Museum and may be purchased by calling 251-575-7433.
Ticket holders for the 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances will enjoy a wine and cheese reception honoring the star after the play.
The production is sponsored by the Monroe County Museum Endowment, Inc., which helps preserve sites of historic significance in Monroe County.
