For many, Ann Landers, the famous advice columnists behind the ever popular “Ask Ann Landers”, was thought to have the perfect life. After all, how could one dishing out advice to so many on so many subjects have any problems of her own? Well, after years of writing marital advice for countless who sought her advice – and millions who read it, “Eppie” Lederer, a.k.a. Ann Landers, was facing her own divorce after a 33-year run. Her toughest assignment to date - writing a column to her loyal followers, the many that revered her as a marriage authority, that her own marriage had fallen apart.

“The Lady with all the Answers” performed at Munster’s Theater at the Center stars Janet Ulrich Brooks as the edgy, but very together, columnist. Set in her Chicago apartment on Lake Shore Drive in 1975, the audience is invited into Eppie’s living room as the famous columnist shares stories about the advice she has given over the years – some from questions quite funny such as which way the toilet paper roll should be dispensed – over the top or from under. Brooks talks to us as though we are her personal guests, interacting with crowd members from time to time. Five minutes into the one-person play, we feel as comfortable as we would in a friend or family member’s home. The play centers around Landers' own conflicts while addressing a letter to her own readers on her marriage failure while holding on to her reader's trust of a relationship guru. Throughout the two-act play, we not only see Landers' compassion for others, but also the honesty that has held her in such high regard. 

“Eppie” talks to us about the many years of providing advice but also touches on her stances, considered unpopular at the time, as a proponent of pro-abortion and gay rights. Likeable, direct, and humorous Brooks commands the stage as “Ann Landers”, who wrote the column “Ask Ann Landers” from 1955 through 2002. Brooks is so engaging as the columnist I could have personally listened to her for hours, never a dull moment to be had, her stories as charming as their delivery.

“I’m tickled I get to play this wonderful woman who devoted a career to understanding people and doing her absolute best to help them,” Brooks said. “I feel as though I grew up with Ann Landers in my home through my mother’s sharing of columns she found funny or helpful or as a conversation starter at the dinner table. She was always very informative.”

Larry Wyatt directs this truly entertaining event wherein Brooks gives an inspiring performance as the advice columnist who was never afraid to weigh in on taboo subjects such as sex. “The Lady with all the Answers” also provides outsiders with a terrific insight as to Landers personal life so that we can appreciate not only her humor and with, but also her genuine desire to heal relationships in need and provide comfort and guidance to those who desperately sought her help. Yes, Esther "Eppie" Pauline Friedman Lederer, a.k.a. 'Ann Landers' was an extraordinary woman and Brooks is nothing less than outstanding in giving us the gift of being her confidants for 90 thoroughly enjoyable minutes.

Janet Ulrich Brooks is magnificent in every sense of the word and is a joy to watch as the beloved, cutting edge advice columnist. At the same time, the creative team of Angela Weber Miller, Denise Karczewski and Michael J. Patrick bring Eppie’s LSD apartment to life with the perfect touches of the 1970’s while Brenda Winstead and Kevin Barthel leave no detail unattended in putting together America’s household name columnist.

Highly recommended.

"The Lady with all the Answers" is being performed at Theater at the Center through August 12th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.theateratthecenter.com.