Monroeville will welcome a very special guest on the weekend of September 27. Princess Anna Christina Radziwill, a longtime family friend of Truman Capotes's, will be attending the world premiere of “Truman Talks Nelle Harper Lee.”
The play, written and performed by Broadway actor Joel Vig, will be presented in the historic Monroe County Courthouse and focuses on the relationship between two of Alabama's most prominent writers. The setting is a fictional surprise party on Nelle Harper Lee's fiftieth birthday. Mr. Vig is noted for originating roles in ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Ruthless, The Musical.’
Princess Tina Radziwill has remarked on an earlier production starring Mr. Vig as Truman Capote.
“Joel Vig gives an extraordinary performance,” said Radziwill. “Having known Truman quite well, I was convinced that he had somehow returned to amuse and captivate us for one last, precious evening. Mr. Vig's performance was a tour de force with the audience standing and cheering at the end.”
The princess is the daughter of Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill and his wife, Princess Lee Bouvier Radziwill. Her mother was known as a muse to Truman Capote, providing inspiration for a number of characters and circumstances in his work. Capote was a frequent guest in their home when Princess Tina Radziwill was a child. Her mother, Lee, traveled extensively with Capote and was last in Alabama in 1967 for the filming of ‘A Thanksgiving Visitor,’ which he dedicated to her. The production featured Geraldine Page and was shot at the historic Marks House in Pike Road, just outside of Montgomery. Princess Lee Bouvier Radziwill is remembered, as well, as the sister of First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.
The princess will be accompanied by Dr. Stuart Noel, President of the Truman Capote Society and a friend and supporter of the Monroe County Museum Endowment Board, Inc., producer of the event.
Tickets are available now by calling the Monroe County Museum at 251/575-7433. Prices for the 7 p.m. performances on the 27th and 28th are $40 for general admission, $30 for museum members, and $15 for students. A wine and cheese reception honoring Mr. Vig will follow on both evenings. The 2 p.m. Sunday matinee tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for museum members, and $15 for students. Early purchase of tickets is encouraged as very limited seating is available.
