F. J. Hartland

Director Don DiGuilio has assembled a top-notch group of artists for the No Name Players’ production of The Book of Liz by Amy and David Sedaris.

Trouble is…they deserve a better script.

The Book of Liz plays like a lengthy sketch from Saturday Night Live.  In its favor, the play does have an ending—unlike most of SNL’s vignettes.

Liz, a devote member of the Squeamish (think Amish) leaves the sect and has a series of adventures that result in a life-changing decision.

Gayle Pazerski does an excellent job as the cherubic Liz, whose sweet disposition makes the best of any situation.  Pazerski captures the character’s good nature and outlook that everything is an adventure.

The ensemble of Jody O’Donnell, Kelly Marie McKenna, John Feightner and Allison Fatla play all the other characters—more than dozen total.  And they do a remarkable job!  O’Donnell and Feightner are probably at their best as the gay wait staff at the Plymouth Crock Restaurant.  McKenna is very funny as the love-smitten Sister Butterworth.  And Fatla does an excellent job as the sophisticated visitor from New York.

This cast represents some of the finest performers Pittsburgh has to offer…and they do not disappoint.  They manage to wring laughs out of a script that doesn’t give them much to work with.

If they had better material, they could soar!

The evening does begin with an odd “dumb” show set to music that really doesn’t add anything to the production.  There is also a lengthy curtain call.But other than that DiGuilio keeps the show moving along, flying through countless scenes.

Alanna James’ cartoonish set creates the perfect backdrop for the play.  And they are painted flawlessly.

It’s an enjoyable evening.  But I couldn’t help thinking that with all this talent, it could be so much more.

The Book of Liz continues at Pittsburgh Playwrights through June 25.