ARENA STAGE - -“Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End”

     The twin sisters who wrote, “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins,” are back again at Arena Stage in D.C. with, “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End.” The sisters are Allison and Margaret Engel. The play is one hour and stars Barbara Chisholm as Erma Bombeck. She is assisted by recorded voices of her husband, children and Betty Friedan. Chisholm plays the role with the warmth and humor Erma is so remembered for and we got a good idea of the mother/housewife who wrote for 900 newspapers and authored 12 books. We were also reminded how involved Erma was in equal rights for women. Erma passed  away at the age of 69 in 1996. She was one of my wife’s favorite columnists and authors. Don’t miss this humor-packed show which is part of the Women’s Voices Theatre Festival going on through October.  “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” runs through Nov. 8. And on a personal note, the Engel sisters’ sister, Joan Horwitt, is a neighbor of ours here in Arlington. For tickets and information, call 202-488-3300 and check the website at www.arenastage.org.