Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Mr. Peanut, orthodox religion, and cheeseballs may sound like strange bedfellows, but Amy and David Sedaris have found a way to smash them together in a story about piety, community, and devotion. Sister Liz is a faithful member of the Squeamish, a highly orthodox religious community obviously derived from the Amish. The Squeamish are famous for their cheeseballs, the production of which is Liz’s primary responsibility. But when the community’s leader, Reverend Tollhouse, orders Liz to turn over the recipe to the newly-arrived Brother Brightbee, she decides that it’s time to leave the confines of the tightly-knit community once and for all. What follows is her journey to discover a new life and a new identity while struggling to reconcile her religious doctrine with the realities of the outside world.
As much a series of comic sketches as it is a play, The Book of Liz is a rapid-fire tongue-in-cheek satire with opportunities for tour-de-force comedic performances.
Show Information
- Book
- David Sedaris
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2002
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- A religious community and the surrounding area. Present day.
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Mature Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The head of a tribe or community.
A form of comedy that presents ridiculous extremes in order to make a point about society or human nature.
A form of humor in which a sarcastic or insincere statement is expressed in a serious way.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright