Beloved Comedy Returns to Marco Island
Published on July 08, 2025
Beloved Comedy Returns to Marco Island: "Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End" Plays July 24–27 at Arts Center Theatre
July 8, 2025, Marco Island: The laughter returns this July as Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End takes the stage once again at the Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre as part of its Encore Series. Following last summer’s highly successful run, this poignant and humorous one-woman show returns by popular demand for four special performances: July 24 & 25 at 7:30 PM and July 26 & 27 at 3:00 PM
Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End offers a heartwarming and hilarious tribute to one of America’s most treasured columnists and humorists. Through Bombeck’s sharp wit and insightful storytelling, the play explores the absurdities of suburban life, motherhood, and the everyday challenges that unite us all. With Bombeck’s trademark humor, she reminds us of the simple joys—and frustrations—of life, famously asking: “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?”
Returning in the title role is Louise K. Cornetta, whose portrayal of Bombeck earned her a 2022 Broadway World Award nomination for Best Solo Performance. A cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Theater, Cornetta has become a standout performer in Southwest Florida’s theater scene. Her compelling performances in productions such as Hollywood Arms, Vanities, and Love Letters have earned her acclaim across Marco Island, Naples, and Bonita Springs.
This production is presented by MariLou Productions, an all-female production company co-founded by Cornetta and the late Marilee Warner. Known for bringing thought-provoking, entertaining works to audiences across Southwest Florida, the company honors Warner’s enduring legacy with each performance. This staging of Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End is especially meaningful as it pays tribute to Warner’s vision, passion, and spirit.
“We are thrilled to welcome Louise back to Arts Center Theatre,” said Hyla Crane, Executive Director, Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Her performance is both touching and hilarious—an experience you won't want to miss.”
Tickets are now available:
$35 for members | $40 for non-members
Purchase tickets online at https://www.marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or call the Box Office at 239-784-1186
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Erma Bombeck’s enduring voice and the remarkable talent of Louise K. Cornetta in this Encore Series gem.
About Marco Island Center for the Arts
Marco Island Center for the Arts brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults and children and a diverse assortment of events. The Arts Center Theatre offers both produced and presented theater productions as well as other live entertainment. The Art Center and its theater serve as professional and financial drivers for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance and teaching opportunities while being a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity and community cohesion.
Mission: Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts.
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