Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins

Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison Street Berkeley

Berkeley Rep presents the story of Molly Ivins, the outspoken and sharp-witted Texas reporter whose liberal journalism brought her national fame and a job at The New York Times, where she wrote Elvis Presley's obituary. Two-time Tony and Oscar nominee Kathleen Turner plays the fiery redhead, a self-proclaimed "pain in the ass to whatever powers come to be." Though The New York Times had hired Ivins to bring life to its staid writing style, her political edginess and controversial social commentary eventually proved to be too much, and Ivins moved on to Texas papers that embraced her sharp-tongued humor. This acclaimed show captures Ivins' unique character using personal anecdotes and her colorful take on national politics.