After his acclaimed Churchill performance here at Barrington’s White House, Ronald Keaton returns to bring to life one of America’s most colorful and controversial figures—Truman Capote—in “TRU,” a one-man play by Jay Presson Allen on Sunday, May 19, 3:00-4:30. Tickets are available here.
A writer and socialite, Capote was famous for writing the novellaBreakfast at Tiffany’sand the critically acclaimed bookIn Cold Blood, which has been hailed as the first nonfiction novel and the beginning of New Journalism. Immersed in the elite New York City socialite scene, Truman rubbed elbows with the nation’s upper echelon, where anyone who was anyone waited anxiously to see if they’d be invited to his soirees.When Truman wrote about his celebrity friends under the thinnest of disguises in Answered Prayersin Esquire, with disastrous results. Truman Capote was born in New Orleans in 1924, where he grew up with his childhood friend Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.
Ronald Keaton has been involved in the theatre for over 40 years. He took up professional residence in Chicago in 1987, his first area bow being in 1776 at the Marriott Theatre nearly 30 years ago. He has appeared on many Chicago-area stages – Goodman Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, First Folio Theatre, Theater At The Center, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Apple Tree Theatre, Theatre At The Center, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theatre, to name a few. Regional theatres include Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Alley Theatre in Houston, and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami.
Ronald has also been a stage manager, a director, a playwright, a fundraiser, a lyricist and composer, and a singer at jazz and cabaret venues around Chicago. Keaton has a solo musical in the wings, WHISPERS FROM THE MOON, as well as an adaptation of the novel THE LAST HURRAH, both created in collaboration with Chicago composer/lyricist William Underwood, music director here at TATC.
And now Keaton is learning the producer’s trade through SoloChicago Theatre, as the critically acclaimed production of Churchill prepares for potential future bookings. He presently has two scripts in development for other performers. And in the midst of all this, Ronald Keaton remains a proud member of and elected representative to the Central Regional Board of Actor’s Equity Association.
Tickets Available Here
Barrington’s White House is a unique, historic venue located in the heart of downtown Barrington at 145 West Main Street. This meticulously restored 1898 mansion hosts cultural and community events, and is also available for rental for weddings, corporate meetings, non-profit fundraisers and family celebrations. Visit the web site or call 224-512-4292 for your private tour.
