California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), very own theater department is hosting the production of “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins” from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29 at the Mainstage theatre on campus.

If you are a fan of unsinkable women, you might want include Molly Ivins to your list. No, not Molly Brown. The witty, newspaper columnist, author, humorist and political commentator, Molly Ivins.

Election day is around the corner and millennials are being pressured from political junkies, media and candidates more than ever to stir their voice in the race. Regardless of who or what you lean towards to, your voice matters. At least that’s what Molly Ivins believes about voting.

Among the ups and downs of Ivins’ life story, messages about speaking out were present and stuck with the audience.

“People should speak for themselves and not follow others,” Jesse Carbajal (freshman, Undeclared) said.

Ivins dedicated her life to uncovering corrupt and nonsensical politics up to her death on Jan. 31, 2007 from breast cancer. She un-blinded the people of the United States by wiping the muddy window showcasing politics.

Written by Margaret and Allison Engel, both fans of Ivins, the production is based off the life of Molly Ivins. Beginning from the early interests of journalism to the end of her life.

The one hour monologue featured Sara Gaston as Ivins. Gaston is an accomplished actress who has been featured in independent films, such as “Lars the Emo Kid,” “Conjoined” and “Dead of Knight.”

Gaston emulates Ivins through a convincing Texan accent. Although born in Monterey, Ca, Ivins grew up in Texas. Developing a charismatic and elegant southern personality.

Gaston engages with the audience by being consistent with eye contact and a sense of being in a “one-to-one” conversation.

At one point, Gaston asks, “Do you read the Observer? No? Shame on you!” Gaston stern and shaming voice certainly created a convincing guilt for not subscribing to the Texas Observer.

There were many ups and down throughout Ivins’ life, including the tragic story about her dog, Shit.

A story where there was dead silence and laughter mixed in with the lively and reactive personality Gaston processed through her performance.

“I liked her spunk and how she was passionate about what she was saying. I liked when she talked about her dog,” Joy Lawler (freshman, Theatre) said.

Salvador Partida (junior, Theatre) was the other cast member in the production. He portrayed the silent assistant to Ivins. Partida thought the response of the atmosphere had an overall responsive audience.

“It was great, we had a great audience,” Partida said. “There were a couple minor things, but it was great. People were laughing, they enjoyed it.”

One of the minor things that was heard in the audience was the cell phone rings, dings and Siris “I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” that were heard during the production. The enclosed acoustics of Mainstage theatre made these distractions project audibly across the audience seating.

Beside the minor distraction, the production was presented through an engaging, thriving and lively performance by Gaston. Audience members in the seats actively laughed and reacted frequently throughout the production.

“I think the audience kind of connected with her as she was talking. Some audience were laughing, others didn’t. Some audience interpreted things she was saying differently,” Partida said.
For more information, visit https://www.csustan.edu/theatre. “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins” featuring Sara Gaston will show from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.