The production will run from July 29 through August 20, 2023.

By: Chloe Rabinowitz

Published Jun. 22, 2023

Purchase tickets today here.

Cleveland Play House will present the Suburban Outlaw production of Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End, a quick-witted, uplifting story recounting the life of American columnist and humorist, Erma Bombeck. Running from July 29 through August 20, 2023, in the Outcalt Theater, the heart-warming, humorous biographical play is written by Chagrin Falls natives, Allison Engel and Margaret Engel, starring film, television, and stage actress, Pam Sherman, as the nationally syndicated columnist, Erma Bombeck. Tickets are available at clevelandplayhouse.com or by calling (216) 241-6000.

One of America's most beloved humorists, Erma Bombeck was widely known as, "the woman who made women laugh." Equal parts wife, mother, daughter, and "domestic demigoddess," she gave voice to the everyday joys and struggles faced by women of all ages. Written by twin sister playwrights Alison Engel and Margaret Engel from Chagrin Falls, the play draws its title from Bombeck's popular "At Wit's End" nationally syndicated column, which was published in 900 newspapers nationwide. The story recounts the voice of a generation of unheard homemakers who elevated their joys and struggles to a platform where they could be seen and heard. A story about an equal rights activist known for telling tough truths and finding humor in them, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End celebrates a remarkable woman who reminded us all how to embrace whatever life throws at us with grace.

Bombeck became known by many names, including "America's Favorite Housewife," "The Socrates of the Ironing Board," and even an "Accidental Feminist" after becoming involved in the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment alongside feminist icons Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug, and Liz Carpenter. Despite all of her works, accolades, and her transparency about the ups and downs of being a wife, mother, and homemaker, Bombeck remained married to Bill Bombeck and continued raising three children while writing her famous column, all from her home in Dayton, Ohio. A 1949 graduate of the University of Dayton, she became a household name in the '70s and '80s. Over her decades-longer career, Bombeck published more than 4,000 syndicated columns; was a contributor to Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and McCall's, among many, many others; created, wrote, and produced the 1981 television series, Maggie; and appeared on the national television show, Good Morning America between 1975 to 1986.

Calling Bombeck "every woman" and a "force of nature," the playwrights were first introduced to Bombeck in their childhood through their mother who was a huge fan and they in turn became fans rushing home from school to read her column. The playwrights collaborated with Bombeck's husband and children to bring the play to life and nail her humor, wit, and wisdom which inspired women in America and across the globe with her insight into being what some may call an ordinary homemaker.

"Erma with her wonderful, pointed wit and her very sharp powers of observation brought that whole world out into the open," said Margaret Engel, co-playwright. "Her fans were legion. They loved her because she illuminated their lives which were funny, tragic, comic, interesting, but really had been so unremarked upon before Erma Bombeck took the world by storm."

The play premiered at Arena Stage in Washington, DC in 2015, and has been produced at several regional theatres across the country. The setting of the story takes place in Bombeck's home in Dayton, Ohio, and spans many decades from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Bombeck will be played by actress and nationally syndicated columnist, The Suburban Outlaw Pam Sherman, whose own career takes a few cues from the famed writer. Sherman's The Suburban Outlaw columns ran for 15 years and were syndicated in over fifty markets nationally through the Gannett and USA Today Network.

Sherman first played Bombeck in 2018 to sold-out shows and rave reviews at the Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York. The production, also directed by Mark Cuddy, former Geva Theatre Artistic Director, came back to Geva by popular demand in 2019 and was later picked up by the Denver Center for their 2019-2020 season, as well as at Shea's 710 in Buffalo, NY.

Regarding playing the tour-de-force solo role, actress Pam Sherman says, "I'm thrilled to play Erma at Cleveland Play House." She says, "As a writer, her words inspired me to share stories from my own life...as an actor her story inspires me to take the audience on a journey filled with humor, heart and the true courage of a trailblazer."

Running from July 29 through August 20, 2023 in the Outcalt Theatre at Playhouse Square located at 1407 Euclid Avenue, evening performances of Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End are held Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM; and on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM. Matinee performances are held on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:30 PM. Additionally, an evening performance will be held on Sunday, July 30 at 6:30 PM.

Tickets start at $25. Student tickets are $15 (valid student ID required). Ohio Direction/EBT cardholders receive $5 admission to any performance (up to eight tickets). Military personnel and their immediate families receive 50% off tickets. Seniors may receive $10 off tickets. Groups of 20+ can save up to 30% on their purchase. Single tickets can be purchased by calling 216.241.6000. All tickets can be purchased by visiting Click Here.

The original story can be found here: Broadway World