Think the college age Stephen Colbert is a total hottie? <scampers off to remind Blacklight that the twinkly eyed, bearded and grinning 1970s Stephen Colbert bears a strong resemblance to a certain nerd boy playing TRON 2.0…and Dr Strange but I’m NOT about to tell a certain nerd boy THAT!> How about Stephen Colbert in fishnets and a black wig as Raven, one of the lovely ladies of Wigfield’s many gentleman’s clubs? Then you need to get your hands on a copy of Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello and Mr Colbert’s Wigfield: Thhe Can Do Town That Just May Not.

The basic premise of Wigfield is that a writer/con man (and I use the term writer very loosely) named Russell Hokes, a former Department of Transportation worker without any talent, or plan and his advance almost spent runs off into the night. Thanks to car trouble on the interstate, Russell ends up in the tiny hamlet of Wigfield will boasts more gentlemen’s clubs per square inch than Montreal (Sibling Tichy “Dammyyyyyyynnnnnn”). Now unless a miracle happens, this charming little slice of life straight out of a John Waters movie is going to be leveled when a looming dam is torn down. Our writer decides to make his book the story of Wigfield and sets out to interview the shall we say interesting residents including the three mayors. Yes, I said three mayors. It’s a long story (read the book!) Will Wigfield gain recognition from the state and be spared destruction?

Like many Sedaris/Dinello/Colbert collaborations, Wigfield is an acquired taste. At best it follows in the tradition of Patrick (Auntie Mame) Dennis’ Little Me and First Lady. Scattered through the Russell’s journey in Wigfield are  photos of the various Wigfieldians played by Sedaris/Dinello/Colbert in disguise. Our narrator Russell Hokes layers a thick coating of “innocence” over his adventures. Of course, Russell doesn’t realize what the town fathers have planned for Wigfield just like Little Me’s Belle Poitrinedidn’t had no idea what caused the tragic fate of her various husbands. At worst, it’s just another excuse for Amy Sedaris to haul out her stash of costumes and make funny faces. Wigfield is certainly worth a read…but you might not be rushing to order your very own copy off Amazon…