The Bay Street Theater production of “ALL THINGS EQUAL,” is more than “The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” It is an important telling of powerful history of the American Justice system. Also, it is a wonderful success story; the audience loved the show. The opening night standing ovation for Michelle Azar as Justice Ginsburg was deserved.
Azar’s performance is award-winning powerful. The audience was locked into her every word, sigh and emotion. The show is already a success because it is a perfect vehicle for Bay Street’s “Literature Live” program. The show runs until November 27th, 2022.
Bay Street Theater Executive Director Tracy Mitchell explained how important this program is in introducing thousands of high school students to live theater and literature for free via Literature Live. Bay Street’s Artistic Director Scott Schwartz thanked the many donors who have contributed to the program’s impressive success.
Michelle Azar, through the words of Playwright Rupert Holmes, brings a genuine intensity of purpose to her role as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her talent and discipline open a window to whom Justice Ginsburg was. Ms. Azar weaves a web that spellbinds the audience via a nuance-filled detailed narrative style. This adds a certain gravitas to the words of Rupert Holmes. It lifts the show into a must be seen and experienced situation. Director Laley Lippard is to be applauded.
The long road to the rights of minorities is a checkered chess game of legal cases throughout our nation’s history. Voting rights for minorities, be it women, people of color or immigrants was the work of Justice Ginsburg’s life and career. This show highlights the details and moments within that struggle in a most thoughtful and entertaining way.
The production has impressive details, such as the very expensive shoes Justice Ginsburg wore along with her famous silver collar for her justice robes. Kudos to Costume Designer Devon Renee Spencer! This attention to detail adds to the authenticity of the show’s visual. Ms. Azur’s skill set transforms the actor into Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ms. Azar navigates the storytelling of the autobiographic nature of this show using the wonderful Scenic Design talent of Tom Hansen of Hansen Scenic.
Also, applause for the many tech talents of Bay Street Theater Production Manager, Mike Billings. He also did a fine job on the “Video Design.”
A part of the show I believe is most important is when Ms. Azar confides with the audience that although she was the extreme political opposite of Justice Scalia, they had a civil, cordial, and special friendly relationship. Including travel, lunch and dinners. She inferred the spouses all got along too. This is a most important message for the young students who see this show via “Literature Live.”
For further information visit: www.baystreet.org
