Fresh off their critically acclaimed production of Vita and Virginia, The Vanguard, Fort Lauderdale’s exciting new cultural venue, will present Amy and David Sedaris’ The Book of Liz from June 12th through June 28th at The Vanguard. Amy and David Sedaris individually are two of America’s premier comic geniuses. Together they are responsible for such witty, clever, and often downright hilarious productions as Stitches, One Woman Shoe, Stump the Host, Incident at Cobbler’s Knob and The Book of Liz.
The Book of Liz chronicles the plight of Sister Elizabeth Donderstock (of the Squeamish Order) renowned for her delicious cheese balls (traditional and smoky) that sustain the existence of her entire religious community. However, upon the arrival the sanctimonious Brother Brightbee, and feeling decidedly unappreciated, Donderstock flees from her home in Clusterhaven to try her luck in the real world. Her adventures lead her to an array of distinctly Sedaris-esque characters, from a Ukrainian immigrant dressed as a giant peanut to the alcoholic staff of a local diner, as she struggles to figure out where she belongs.
“The Book of Liz is a fun romp that asks serious questions about identity, self worth, and status,” says the production’s director, Mark Duncan. “Audiences can identify with Liz’s search for recognition, approval, and respect as they “sweat” through life.”
The Vanguard, which officially opened its doors on March 13th, has been enthusiastically received by local artists, theatergoers, and nearby businesses. The new venue is located at 1501 S. Andrews Avenue in what was formerly a church when the building was first erected in 1939.
The Book of Liz will run from June 12 – June 28 at The Vanguard. There will be a special opening night reception at the theatre on June 12th from 7 pm – 8 pm. Tickets for the evening are $40 and include wine and cheese(cake), automatic entry into a raffle for books by David Sedaris, and a silent auction with prizes such as a ‘Wine Night for 2’ at The Naked Grape, a private wine tasting for up to 20 people donated by Total Wine, and valued at $500, and rare Israeli wines, donated by the Madonna Family. Sponsors for the evening include The Cheesecake Factory, Bob’s News, Total Wine & More, Naked Grape, Enchantment Flowers, and the Madonna Family.
Tickets for The Book of Liz are $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vanguardarts.org , or by phone at 813-220-1546. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm, and on Sundays at 5 pm. There will be a matinee performance on Saturday, June 13th at 2 pm. The venue is located at 1501 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, 33316.
