Tom Lenk

Ann Magnuson Stars in Los Angeles Debut of Amy and David Sedaris’ The Book of Liz

Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris’ The Book of Liz will receive its Los Angeles premiere presented by The Blank Theatre Company with star Ann Magnuson.

The Sedaris work will begin performances April 27 and open April 30 at 2nd Stage Theatre in Hollywood. Darin Anthony directs the run scheduled through June 5.

Magnuson, who plays the title character Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, will be joined in the cast by Susan Ruttan ("LA Law") as Sister Butterworth and Tom Lenk ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") as Duncan Trask. Mike Genovese, Johanna McKay, Jeff Witzke, Sam Zeller, Laura Pruden and Matt Crabtree fill out the rest of the ensemble.

The Book of Liz follows the tale of a nun who makes cheese balls which are the lifeblood of her religious community of Clusterhaven. Feeling unappreciated, she runs away and tries to make her own way in the secular world. Off-Broadway’s Drama Dept. debuted the work in 2001 starring Amy Sedaris, David Rakoff, Chuck Coggins and Jackie Hoffman.

Amy Sedaris - who will star in the upcoming "Strangers With Candy" movie - has also trod the New York boards in Wonder of the World, The Country Club and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told as well as creating "Exit 57" and appearing on TV’s "Just Shoot Me" and "Sex and the City."

David Sedaris is also the playwright of Santaland Diaries and a regular commentator for National Public Radio. As an author, his books "Barrel Fever," "Naked," "Holidays on Ice," "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" have been bestsellers.

Magnuson has appeared Off-Broadway in Rave Mom, The Vagina Monologues, Four Dogs and a Bone in her own You Could Be Home Now. Her varied credits include film, television and music on top of her stage work including the film "Making Mr. Right," guest spots on "The Drew Carey Show," and her Cinemax special "Vandemonium." She has also recorded five albums with the band Bongwater and her own solo album titled "The Luv Show."

Ruttan portrayed secretary Roxanne Melman on "LA Law" for 7 seasons and appeared in the Jack Reed TV movies opposite Brian Dennehy. Lenk is known for his role of Andrew on the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and has previously performed with The Blank in funny. Other The Blank vets include Genovese (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), McKay (American Way) and Pruden (Boy, Superzeroes).