Tired of the same old stand-up comedy special format? Looking for a new take on current news topics in a way that doesn’t feel daunting? Want all of this delivered in a viral-worthy manner? Look no further than comedian and musician Sarah Hester Ross’s debut comedy special, ‘Don’t Mess With A Redhead’, released on April 23 through Comedy Dynamics.
Sarah invites you into the life of a TikTok-famous woman who doesn’t want babies and leads the “stop giving men microphones” movement (scroll down for the most excellent video which we guarantee will become your new internet anthem!). ‘Don’t Mess With A Redhead’ serves as an introduction to a multi-talented comedian and musician best known for her 2.4 million social media followers and lovers of Florida Man Friday, who will be the first to tell you she aims to be the “next Bette Midler”.
Previous to the release of her special, Sarah has been featured on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and ‘The Doctor Demento Show’, and her music has earned more than 15 million worldwide streams, and counting. Sarah presents a formidable combination of musical and theatrical talents that has earned her an auspicious entry into the comedy performing world, as well as 2.4M followers on TikTok and over 270K on Instagram. She is currently showcasing her talents at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival between August 2 – 18.
Sarah is aware that musical comedy is not everyone’s cup of tea, but she effectively utilizes music to help audiences to stomach some very serious topics. “A spoonful of music helps the discussion of women’s rights (or lack thereof) go down. The music is niche but the topics aren’t and I feel that’s what makes it special”, says Sarah.
Although she started out as many comedians do, honing their craft onstage at live events and gigs, the pandemic forced Sarah offstage and online, where her musical comedy hit on a larger scale, quickly building a sizable online following. This led to a post-pandemic three-month Vegas residency where she developed the hour, which she honed further by taking it on the road. The result became ‘Don’t Mess With A Redhead’.
In the midst of a heated political climate where reproductive rights and abortion access are steadily being stripped away, toxic masculinity is ramping up online, and the threat of a second Trump presidency promises to bring fascism to the frontlines, Sarah’s hilarious and melodic takes on the hottest topics of the day brings comedic relief and somewhat of a healing balm to know that despite what happens, they can never take away our joy. Read on below to see what this feisty redhead shared with us about her comedy special and more!
Where did your comedy career begin, and who inspired you to follow this path?
I think I’ve always had a comic inside me (Oo dirty). But I was a musician/singer first. Pretty much all my life. If I had to pinpoint the time where I think the two merged for me was when I started performing in dueling piano shows. Those stages allowed me to create my own comedy and I found out pretty quickly that I was good at it.
Without trying to sound chronically online, my following on TikTok pushed me down this path. I had been creating original comedy music for years before I hit any sort of “success” but what pushed me over the edge was the amount of positive attention I got from getting on TikTok in 2020. It changed everything for me.
What does it mean to be a “Fiercely feminist musical comedian” in today’s comedy/entertainment landscape?
I am unapologetically female centered. I know that doesn’t mean “feminism” but everything I write, perform, sing, women’s issues are in the back of my mind if they aren’t already the actual center of the bit/song. It took me a while, but I sincerely do not care what men think of me or my art. I enjoy when men like my comedy and it makes me like them more.
@sarahhesterross It’s just makes logical sense to me
♬ original sound – Sarah Hester Ross
You don’t shy away from combining your passion for social impact issues with your comedy. Why is this important to you?
I believe that Comedy has many uses, and one of them is the ability to start conversations that are otherwise hard to have in normal instances. I think adding Music to it gives it even more of a kickstart. But it’s important to me that even in the joke of it all I’m saying something that means something. Standing up for what I believe is right.
Making people question why their laughing, singing, listening and then what are we gonna do about it. I’ll always love a good dick joke here and there, but in all my art, whether it’s comedy or not, substance is important to me.
We’re living in Handmaid’s Tale times right now, and your comedy and social media content is giving us hope that we can survive! How can comedy be a source of light and hope even in bleak times?
The comedy in disaster has always been a thing. Women in general have been the “butt of the joke” for centuries and we know who to laugh at ourselves. We weren’t really given a choice so we adapted. NOW because of that we have the ability to laugh, stand, and change. It’s beautiful when you see it.
@sarahhesterross Replying to @bryan agreed! One week till my Comedy Special release!!!@ComedyDynamics ♬ original sound – Sarah Hester Ross
What has been the reaction to your content where you talk about abortion and reproductive rights? How do you deal with the negative comments?
I laugh, I cry, throw up and then post another. This is an issue I care deeply about mostly because I know what the opposite side thinks and feels. I was there. I was raised very religious. I do have compassion for their options but it pushes me to never shut up about it. I grew and learned because others didn’t shut up about it. And others will too. Probably not everyone but one problem at a time.
Can you tell us your process for writing your set for ‘Don’t Mess With a Redhead’, and how you decide what stories/narrative/jokes/content makes the final cut?
This was a very long process. Over 3 years of shows, touring, and rehearsals. My director Sarah Lowe and production manager Sandy Knights were a huge help in the process but it was mostly me work shopping the songs and seeing what worked best. But with all the preparation I’m still a go with the flow kind of performer. For example I added “Good Ol Days” last min without ever performing it for an audience. I wrote it after having a dream a month before the taping and I just knew it had to be the show.
You recently appeared on Lizz Winstead’s Feminist Buzzkills podcast. Can you tell readers what you both talked about on the episode if they haven’t yet heard it?
She named me the “Liberace of Abortion” and I’ll wear it like a badge of honor.
@sarahhesterross You’ve been warned 👩🦰🔥
♬ original sound – Sarah Hester Ross
What are some of your fave topics to write and sing about, and what kind of content comes easily to you when you sit in front of a piano?
WOMEN. I know it’s probably trite but I write what I know and I’m a woman. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes is sad and sometimes is empowering. But it’s always about women.
We can imagine it is a big deal to put together and perform a comedy special. What was the biggest challenge for you with ‘Don’t Mess With a Redhead’, and what are you most proud of with this show?
I’m bit much. I’ve always been a bit much. I had really big dreams and visions for this project. Costume changes, multiple instruments, video and audio while at the same time worrying about the live music sounding perfect. And it all came together beautifully. I’m incredibly proud of it.
What do you want audiences to feel when they watch your show and hear your music?
Purposeful. I want them to feel seen and heard. Happy that someone is talking about things they care about. And curious to know more
If you had to write a song about 2024, what would it sound like, and what pop culture stories would you be using for inspiration?
A power ballad about women unrelenting. There are so many amazing women comics, musicians, artists out right now who are just relentless and it’s such a sight.I’m happy to even be a small part of it. I’d also add “F*ck the supreme court” in there someone.
Get your copy of ‘Don’t Mess With A Redhead’ HERE, check out more of Sarah Hester Ross’s work on her website, and do yourselves a favor and follow her on Instagram and TikTok. Thank us later!
