A conversation with Cathy Dresbach on ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END

Cathy Dresbach in Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End
photo by Carly Weekley

by Gil Benbrook

Erma Bombeck was a housewife and a mother as well as a highly respected author and humorist. She had the uncanny ability to write in her syndicated columns and books what people across America were thinking. She was also incredibly funny.

A new one woman show, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End, which makes its local premiere this weekend at Fountain Hills Theater, portrays the life and success of the author of the NY Times bestselling books If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? and Motherhood: The Second Oldest Profession and features local actress Cathy Dresbach as Bombeck.

Dresbach, who is a Valley legend from appearing on the hit TV series The Wallace & Ladmo Show for numerous years in the 1980s, as well as a well respected actress and playwright, sat down during final rehearsals to answer a few questions about the play and this famous woman.

Cathy, Erma Bombeck was a household name across America when I was growing up yet many younger people today may not even know who Bombeck was, since she passed away over 20 years ago now. What can you tell us about this woman and what drew you to this play? 

Cathy Dresbach: "I’m drawn to funny. That’s Erma Bombeck in a nutshell. What I particularly like about this piece is that includes Erma’s unique take on serious subjects (which she also addressed in her writing). It’s not just set-up/punchline all the way through. It has a lot of heart and emotion as well. I think her material is timeless and holds up really well all these years later. Hopefully, we’ll add some newcomers to the Erma Bombeck fan club, in addition to pleasing those who already know and love her. "

What are the differences in playing a real life person as opposed to a fictional one? And is it more or less difficult for you as an actress?

"I think there’s more pressure to get it right when playing a real person - especially an icon like Erma Bombeck. Although I don’t do an “impersonation” of Erma, I try to get her style and wry wit across. And many of the same rules apply to all plays - learn your lines and don’t bump into the furniture!"

Last season, Ben Tyler directed The Glass Menagerie at Fountain Hills, which was a superb production, and now he's directing you in At Wit's End. You and Ben have worked together before and have known each other for a long time. What do you like about working with Tyler? 

"Ben and I have known each other since college and after so many years, we have a certain ease between us. I trust his instincts and he trusts mine. Also, we don’t pull any punches. I’m honest about my opinions and vice versa. It’s always a true collaboration with Ben."

Like Bombeck, you're a well known comical presence in the area, having grown up as an actress on The Wallace & Ladmo Show. What did you learn from working on that show?

"It’s possible to be funny AND G-rated. Create sharply drawn characters. Respect your audience. The comic value of current events. Timing! Work ethic. You name it, it was part of my W&L education."

What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing At Wit's End?

"A smile, a tear, a memory…  and a compelling urge to spread the word about our production."

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from January 5th to January 21st