BWW Reviews: Philadelphia Theatre Company's RED HOT PATRIOT: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins

Has America become too complacent in its acceptance of political figures and their decisions? Molly Ivins certainly thought so. The outspoken, sharp-tongued Texan journalist worked at papers ranging from the Houston Chronicle, The Texas Observer and The New York Times. Late in her life she was best known for her adamant disapproval of George W. Bush, who she nicknamed "Shrub." In 2007, she lost her battle with breast cancer but today she is immortalized in the play Red Hot Patriot, now enjoying its world premier at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre as part of Philadelphia Theatre Company's season.

Ivins was known for her skewering remarks targeting the political establishment. The script of Red Hot Patriot is so full of wit and wisdom, moving from the hilarious to the more melancholy with ease, that it is hard to believe its authors are first time playwrights. Identical twins Margaret Engel and Allison Engel are journalists themselves and long time Ivins fans. After her death in 2007, the sisters decided to write this play to provide a memorial celebrating her courage and audacity. It's obvious that these two know how to tell a story, touching on Ivins' life at Smith College, relationship with her father, journalism career, alcohol addiction and battle with breast cancer. After a long research process, the script combines Ivins' writing with the playwrights' own words.

Kathleen Turner shines in this role. Perhaps her performance is influenced by the fact that she knew Ivins and believes in many of the same liberal and feminist causes. Turner adopts a Texan accent in a voice of low and husky tones, expertly delivering the script's zingy one-liners with incredible diction. Through wonderful direction by David Esbjornson, she perfectly balances the humor with the more poignant moments. When Turner as Ivins recounts her battle with breast cancer, the house, which had been laughing almost continuously since the curtain rise, was absolutely silent. She fully captures the depth of Ivins, rounding out the character of this fierce Texan journalist and it is certain that Turner belongs on the stage.

The production value, with its varied use of multimedia, enhanced the show greatly. Behind John Arnone's simple set made of desks and chairs, was a large screen used for Maya Ciarrocchi's projection design. Photos accompanied Ivins' discussion of figures in her life, providing a visual linkage for the audience. The lighting design by Russell H. Champa was full of square and rhombus like shapes, mimicking windows and giving Turner varied spaces on the fairly empty stage.  The sound design and original music by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen provided great transitions between images, subjects and tones. Elizabeth Hope Clancy's costume design is flattering while capturing the sassy Texan flair of Ivins through faded jeans and red cowboy boots.

With Red Hot Patriot, Molly Ivins is no longer just words on a page, but a voice brought to life and embodied by Kathleen Turner. Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins has been extended and now plays at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre through April 25^th. For more information please see the official press release and the extension notice.

 

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