In the News
David Sedaris teams with sister to create ‘cheese ball’ comedy
by Amy Stumpfl, Nashville City Paper 2/26/09
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The NPR humorist and best-selling author (Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim) is known for his acerbic wit and brutally honest commentary. And the results are just as funny when Sedaris joins forces with sister Amy Sedaris (Comedy Central’s Strangers with Candy) to write for the stage, including The Book of Liz — now playing at Belmont’s Black Box Theater. The Book of Liz follows the outrageous adventures of Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, who lives in a Squeamish (think Amish) community known as Cluster Haven. For years, the quaint village has relied upon Liz’s delicious cheese balls — both traditional and smoky — as its primary source of income. But when the sanctimonious Brother Brightbee shows up determined to take over cheese ball production, Liz begins to wonder if there is life outside Cluster Haven. Of course, the outside world proves to be exciting, but often difficult for a nice Squeamish girl, and along the way Liz must face everything from foul-mouthed Ukrainian refugees to a group of recovering alcoholics working at a Pilgrim-themed restaurant. There’s even a dancing peanut. No one is safe from the Sedaris’ scorching wit and rapid-fire repartee. They skewer 12-step programs, religious fundamentalism and foam-rubber mascots with equal glee. And yet there is a message behind the madness. And in the end, they manage to craft a sweet, if quirky, parable for these troubled times. Directed by Jessika Malone, The Book of Liz features Actors Bridge favorite Rachel Agee as Liz, along with Rebekah Durham and newcomers Dave Shetler and Andrea Ridge in multiple supporting roles. The entire group tackles the material with gusto, with Shetler grabbing big laughs with his subtle delivery. Dusty Shaffer also deserves special mention for his comical costume design. But the show belongs to Agee, who brings just the right blend of wide-eyed wonder and principled pluck to the title role. Cheesy? You bet. But this is one “cheese ball” comedy that will leave you hungry for more. What: The Book of Liz When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Belmont’s Black Box Theater, 1575 Compton Ave. (just off Belmont Boulevarde) Cost: $15 Info: 341-0300, actorsbridge.org |
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