Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End

Austin Playhouse brings At Wit's End to its Studio Stage from October 1 through 11, a one-woman show about the humorist Erma Bombeck. Sarah Fleming Walker takes the stage as Bombeck, with Lara Toner Haddock directing.

If you aren't familiar with the name, Bombeck—born Erma Fiste—became a household word with a column that comically chronicled suburban home life in the second half of the 20th century. Between the 1960s and the 1990s she published 4,000 newspaper articles, and by the 1970s her columns ran twice weekly in 900 newspapers across the US and Canada, reaching thirty million readers. Most of her 15 books became instant best sellers. The play, written by Margaret Engel and Allison Engel, follows her life and work.

The production is presented by the Austin Playhouse Artistic Company, a professional regional theatre founded in August 2000 by Producing Artistic Director Don Toner. The company is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association and is currently campaigning for a permanent venue. At Wit's End is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets start at $25, and there are group discounts for parties of 10 or more, which you can arrange by emailing boxoffice@austinplayhouse.com. The show is at the Austin Playhouse Studio Stage, 405 West 22nd St, in the West Campus area.