Cathy Dresbach brings Erma Bombeck to life in her performance of “At Wit’s End.” Starting with Erma’s need to write at five years old, the play takes us through Erma’s life from beleaguered suburban housewife to famous syndicated columnist and Equal Rights Amendment advocate.

The ride is punctuated with Erma’s witty one-liners. “If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I in the pits?” This is a one-woman show, but Erma’s husband and kids are there in spirit just the same. At one point, she sends them off to school and the youngest comes back and rings the doorbell to tell Erma she hates school. “How can you,” Erma asks. “It’s the first day.”

The set is most imaginative, with a 50s era suburban dining area, a living room and a bedroom all packed on the tiny stage. Writing on an ironing board while sitting on her bed, Erma offers up the homespun wisdom that made her a household legend. I am still sore from laughing.

You may remember Cathy Dresbach from her role on “The Wallace & Ladmo Show” and on stages throughout the Valley. With Cathy’s outstanding performance, you will think you have met Erma. She is well worth getting to know.

Oh! Come a bit early. The 50s TV commercials playing on the screen prior to the show are a riot, too. “At Wit’s End” continues at the Fountain Hills Theater Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and on Sundays at 2 until Jan. 21.