Famed author Truman Capote was perhaps one of the most diverse American novelists of the 20th century. His work "In Cold Blood," portrayed the gruesome lives of two Kansas murderers, while his book "Breakfast at Tiffany’s," focused on the fun and frivolous life of a Manhattan woman who falls for a socialite.
Although the late Capote received recognition for his fine work, and his flamboyant personality added to his celebrity status, there was very little opportunity to get to know the real person behind the persona, other than from his few autobiographical works.
One of those, "A Christmas Memory," which features the story of a seven-year-old boy and who gets sent to live with elderly cousins who make fruitcakes for Christmas, is believed to be Capote’s real-life saga.
The Weehawken Cultural Affairs Committee and the Weehawken Free Public Library will sponsor a staged reading of the work at the library, located at 49 Hauxhurst Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Actors Elizabeth Mulcahy and Duane Baker, both of whom are Weehawken residents, will perform the reading, which is free to the general public. After the reading, there will be a reception with the actors.
"It really is a beautiful story," said Mulcahy, who has enjoyed a fine career as an actress, including a role in "The Incredible Likeness of Being." "It’s not your typical Christmas story and it’s not typical of anything else Truman Capote did. We get to discover a different side of Capote in this story. It’s a story of connection and kindness. It’s a true story for the heart. I find it very touching."
Baker, who has been featured in other Weehawken Cultural Affairs shows in the past, including former Guttenberg Mayor Peter LaVilla’s "99-Cent Special" last year, says this current performance is unique. "I’ve never done a reading like this," Baker said. "I’ve done a fair share of dramas and comedies, but this is very different. While I was reading it, I kept thinking that it sounded like it could be Capote’s life story, which it turns out to be. It is a very interesting story."
Both Mulcahy and Baker are excited to do the reading at the library, which is trying to open its doors to different patrons after it’s multi-million dollar facelift two years ago.
"It’s something we talked about when the library opened and it’s something that we think is a perfect fit," Baker said. "It’s a really great setting."
"We’re really excited about it," Mulcahy said. "The poor senior center [The Senior Nutritional Center on Highwood Avenue, which is the site of most of the Cultural Affairs Committee’s shows] never gets a break. We wanted to do a Christmas activity and this will be perfect at the library."
The reading is the second event co-sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Committee and the Free Public Library. Last month, an art exhibit was held, featuring the work of famed courtroom artist Christine Cornell. Other events are being planned for the future.
For more information, call the library at 863-7823.