The Sedaris' Musings On Cheese Balls, Yes, Cheese Balls

By Michele Lenni in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 9, 2010 7:40PM

David Sedaris first caught the public's attention with his famed appearance on National Public Radio in 1992 reading his hilarious essay, The Santaland Diaries. He quickly ascended to fame with his tales of growing up in a, shall we say, eccentric family environment, with books like Me Talk Pretty One Day and Holidays on Ice. It is really no surprise to us that he would decide to pen another holiday themed comedy (he's done two already). Released back in 2002, The Book of Liz, utilizes his, shall we say, completely whacked-out sister, Amy Sedaris of Strangers with Candy fame. Since both brother and sister's vivid imaginations tend to spin hyper-visual narratives, we couldn't imagine a more perfect venue for their writing then a live stage performance, and lucky for us Uptown's Chemically Imbalanced Theater agrees.

Back by popular demand, Every Friday and Saturday until December 18 the players of the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy are bringing back the characters of this novel turned play for yet another season at their theater in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. The Sedaris classic tells the story of Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, an unappreciated and Squeamish cheese-ball-maker from a staunch religious community who leaves her brethren to wait tables at a restaurant owned entirely by recovering alcoholics. All is well in Liz's world until her perspiration troubles impede a promotion to manager. All the while, back at Clusterhaven, Liz's compatriots just can't seem to replicate her famed cheese ball recipe, and it's going to cost them their quaint, cloistered lifestyle, thus comedy ensues.Directed by Angie McMahon and starring local staples like Sarah Rose Graber, Brian Kash and Adam El-Sharkawi have brought the kooky, outlandish characters to life to much critical acclaim from publications like The Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago and Centerstage .

For a the same price as most music venues charge in Chicago, we welcome something different that will tickle our funny bones as well as our ear drums for a change.

The Book of Liz runs every Friday and Saturday until December 18 at Chemically Imbalanced Theater, 1420 W. Irving Park, 8 p.m., $18