"All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg," a new play by the Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes that began a 16-city national tour on Oct. 5, will touch down at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor for a three-week run starting next Thursday.
The play opens as the Supreme Court Justice, played by Michelle Azar, invites a family friend into her chambers to talk about her life and its many trials. Among them: Losing her mother the day before graduating as valedictorian of her Brooklyn high school; raising a daughter and helping her husband fight cancer while being one of only nine women in her class at Harvard Law School, and taking stands for human rights amid an increasingly politicized Supreme Court.
"In creating this play about her richly lived life and hard-fought struggles, I came to ever more deeply marvel at her strength, tenacity, sly wit, and compassion," Mr. Holmes has said about the experience. " 'All Things Equal' offers each theatre-goer the chance to better know this woman, her yearning for equality, and her love for this nation's precious institutions."
Ms. Azar agreed. In a phone conversation from St. Petersburg, Fla., the first stop on the show's tour, she said that Justice Ginsburg "was so human, so funny, and loved performing. I grew up thinking, 'I'm a girl, I'll get married, that's how it is.' Whereas nowadays, as Ruth said, 'My daughters are killing it out there in the world.' And a lot of that is because of this pathbreaking, tiny woman."
Of Mr. Holmes, who is a composer and singer-songwriter as well as a playwright, the actress said, "His musicality really serves this piece." No matter how long the play runs, she added, there will always be more to learn about Ginsburg. "Every day, our little band of Phil -- our stage manager -- myself, and Rebecca -- the understudy -- we cry about something new that Ruth had tackled or touched."
In addition to roles on “NCIS: Los Angeles," “How To Get Away With Murder,” and “Criminal Minds,” Ms. Azar has a long resume of stage credits, and can be seen in the recently released film “Senior Moment” with Jean Smart and William Shatner. Her one-woman show, "From Baghdad To Brooklyn," continues to tour around the country after its premiere at the United Solo Festival in New York City.
“All Things Equal” is directed by Laley Lippard, who has directed and collaborated with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among many other theaters across the country. Additionally, she is the co-founder and co-executive producer of The Chicago Home Theater Festival.
Public performances will take place Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8, Saturdays at 2 and 8, and Sundays at 2, through Nov. 27. Tickets start at $35.
A special "sensory-friendly" performance, designed for individuals with autism or physical sensitivities, is set for Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. Technical adjustments will include a reduction of sound levels and stage lighting.
In addition, because "All Things Equal" is Bay Street’s annual Literature Live! production, free daytime performances can be arranged for school groups, teachers, and administrators by contacting the theater. The BOCES-approved Arts-in-Education program also provides curriculum guides in advance for Literature Live! plays to help with content and additional aspects of learning.
