I’m going to be in a play, and you should come see it.
The Butler Little Theatre’s next production is “The Book of Liz,” written by Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris.
The story centers on Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, a member of a Squeamish community. She makes cheese balls (traditional and smoky) that sustain the existence of her entire religious community, Cluster Haven. Sister Donderstock faces personal crises, loses her way, finds it, reconsiders, and confronts questions about her faith and place in the world. It sounds serious, but actually it’s outrageously comical. It’s almost impossible to explain, so you’ll have to come see it and enjoy.
The play is directed by Phil Ball with assistant director Randy Krampert, and produced by Dan McChesney, Marge Bankert, and Bob Meals. It features Nedra Casey, Dennis Casey, Fred Scasso, Terri Schultz, Amy Evans, and Cynthia Closkey (me!!).
This is a one act play and runs a little longer than an hour. If it had a movie-style rating, it would be PG-13 (language and situations).
And for me: I’m a huge fan of David Sedaris and Amy Sedaris. David Sedaris is my idol as a writer, and Amy Sedaris is a terrific comic writer and actor. So of course I wanted to be part of this production. But also, I find the play to be very funny and witty, especially in its use of casting actors in multiple roles, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge and lots of fun. And so it has turned out to be — this is a great cast and crew. If anything, I wish the play were longer because it’s terrific to work on.
Beyond being a comedy, this play has an offbeat style, full of satire and farce. The writing just kills. The characters, the situations, the lines: I laughed out loud when I first read it, and I still laugh reading it now, after umpteen readings and rehearsals.
Special note on making reservations: Due to constraints at our theatre, phone reservations can be taken only between 7 and 9pm on week nights. Don’t be dismayed — call soon!
Performance Details:
The Book of Liz, by the Talent Family, Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris
Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street, Butler, PA
March 11 – 13 and 15 – 19, 2005
Curtain Times:
Friday, Saturday…………………..8:15 p.m.
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday…7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 each
Reservations are accepted by phone at (724) 287-6781, Monday – Friday from 7-9 p.m.
Advance Reservations open to the public: Thursday, March 3
See also the Butler Littler Theatre website.