Today’s Zoom has us at Wit’s End
…playwright Margaret Engel discusses a production about famed columnist Erma Bombeck opening in Des Moines this week
To our new subscribers: Welcome! A regular feature of this column is an invitation to join informal conversations with fascinating individuals. These Zoom calls take place every Monday from noon to 1 p.m., and the audio is later shared as a podcast, available on multiple platforms. Subscribers are always welcome to join the discussion live.
Our guest today is Peggy Engel, a playwright, author, journalist, and speaker at the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat.
Peggy’s writing partner and twin sister, Allison, is currently en route to Des Moines for the opening night of their play Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End, which will be performed at the Temple for Performing Arts. Tickets are available now for this anticipated event.
Erma Bombeck’s column was syndicated in 900 newspapers, including The Des Moines Register. Through their work, the Engel sisters are introducing new audiences to Bombeck’s enduring legacy, and it’s a recognition that is well deserved. They are also providing insights into the role many women played during the tumultuous changes of the 1960s.
Like the Engel sisters, Bombeck hailed from the Midwest, growing up in Ohio. While Bombeck stayed in her home state, the Engels are taking her memory, spirit and wit to audiences far and wide.
Tickets: Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. December 3-21. In the beautiful and intimate Temple Theater, 1011 Locust, Des Moines.
For a great interview with Allison and Peggy Engel: Talk of Iowa, with Charity Nebbe
Today’s Zoom Link
Your Zoom link for today at noon central time: Margaret (Peggy) Engel.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81081096689n
Okoboji
The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat is back for its fifth year, running from September 28 to October 1, 2025! Take advantage of Early Bird pricing—the lowest rates of the year—available now through January 15. By enrolling early, you not only secure your spot but also help us cover upfront costs for venue rentals and merchandise production.
To keep registration fees as low as possible, we’re introducing a fundraising auction during the Tuesday night concert, following the sunset cruise around the lake. All proceeds will support our host site, Lakeside Labs, ensuring this beloved retreat continues to thrive.
We’re thrilled to announce our first auction item is in hand: an autographed baseball signed by none other than Hank Aaron, generously donated by Peggy Engel. Keep an eye on our updates as the auction collection grows - watch for vacation trips, house concerts, manuscript readings by a literary agent, and more every week.
https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Did you see yesterday’s roundup of columns by the fine writers who posted last week?
