ALL THINGS EQUAL
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In the news
"After the opening night performance concluded, an audience member could be heard gushing over the intimate experience she just had with RBG, to which her friend replied, “You do realize that wasn’t actually Ruth Bader Ginsburg, right?”
Therein lies the power of playwright Rupert Holmes’ vision for a one-on-one, one-woman show starring the brilliant Michelle Azar. For 90 minutes, she held the audience in the palm of her hand — each witty remark met with laughter, her most triumphant moments met with applause and her most tragic, tear-filled moment met with a long, empathetic silence. It’s understandable that amid the suspension of disbelief, one can forget they’re not watching the real RBG — images and voice clips of the late justice used in the play confirm that Azar has captured her likeness and voice inflections to a tee. And as the play progresses, Azar as Ginsburg almost seems to age, growing weary after recounting her struggles overcome and victories earned, moving finally to the justice’s greatest regrets. Even for adults who’ve seen the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentaries and dramas, All Things Equal provides a uniquely intimate experience that’s absolutely worth exploring. And for kids, this is the way to introduce them to the powerful, emotional story of the Notorious RBG." -David Taylor (Nov 10, 2022) 
"For ninety fascinating minutes Michelle Azar embodies the remarkable woman known as RBG as she welcomes a family friend into here cozy chambers. She captures the essence of this brave woman with a nuanced performance that is a treat to behold. She nails her indominable/witty presence and over the course of those absorbing, often funny, 90 minutes, a sense of the woman and her life with its many trials will become apparent."
"Michelle Azar is a remarkable actor and is doing something quite miraculous,” Holmes says. “It’s not an impersonation … she’s channeling her spirit. I think she has a lot in common with RBG, and I think it’s an incredibly human, authentic and deeply rooted portrayal.”
-Rupert Homes (Oct, 2022) 
"All Things Equal stars Los Angeles actress Michelle Azar; she’s alone on the stage for 90 minutes. “Michelle is doing a magnificent job, I can tell that,” says Holmes...“I would watch her in rehearsals, and there’s something about her that’s very special. She’s got something.”
-Bill DeYoung, Catalyst (Oct 10, 2022) |
"I didn’t know what to expect, not really, and the star and only cast member of this biopic Michelle Azar blew me away. I’d like to say it was allergies, but I found myself (and other more dramatic audience members) sniffling in my seat when this woman, strong in a cobalt pantsuit, passionately yet casually discussed her pursuit for women and LGBTQ+ rights as well as the details of the times she was wronged."
-Abby Baker (Oct 10, 2022) 
"As the lights rise on the Supreme Court chambers of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we see the diminutive judge behind her spacious wooden desk bedecked with shiny antique brass pulls. The high backed, tufted leather chair practically swallows Michelle Azar, who is instantly recognizable in RBG’s black robes and lace collar, which brought long overdue feminine energy to the court. But as she speaks, out flow the soft spoken pursed, closed-mouth vowels of Ginsburg’s native Brooklyn. RBG lives, and for 90 compelling minutes we’re taken on a feminist judicial roller coaster ride. The superb Azar and director, Laley Lippard, are in firm control of the enthralling narrative of a trailblazing jurist."
-Joan Parker Claridge (Oct 5, 2022) "I believe All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg will bring together the Bay Street audience and the glorious RBG in an enlightening and touching encounter with the remarkable person "behind the initials." 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. Our play also reveals the love song that ran through her remarkable life and shares the music that was her giddy delight. 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: Ruth ... Justice ... and the American way."
-Rupert Holmes, Tony Award-winning playwright of All Things Equal |
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Photographs by Barry Gordin
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