25-Feb-22 – Telling the life story of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in 2020 at age 87, is daunting indeed. But a brilliant script by playwright Sally Deering, outstanding performance by Talia Langman, and expert direction by Sam Hess make this world premiere a memorable theatrical experience.

The play recalls the personal and professional developments of the talented woman who was a feminist, role model, lawyer, and Supreme Court justice. Nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ginsberg served on the highest court for 27 years.

The first thing you notice is the uncanny resemblance to RBG of the petite woman who plays her, the great Talia Langman. When Langman auditioned for the role, the director must have said, “We’re done here. She’s perfect.”

To make the role even more challenging, Talia plays Ruth through the aging process, from a young girl, law student, and judge to becoming a worldwide symbol of equality for the underserved and marginalized.

The second thing you notice is that aside from Gabriel Estrada, the man who plays her husband, the entire cast is made up of women. These women actors rotate in and out, playing various characters. The excellent ensemble includes Shannon Bachelder, Hannah Boutilier, Ginger DeLeon, Sarah Kinn, Zoe Nemetz, Ashlyn Seehafer, Caitlin Wolfe, and Nicholia Q. Aguirre.

The play traces Ruth Ginsberg’s college years at Cornell University, meeting her supportive husband, Martin Ginsberg, who was her biggest cheerleader, her role as a loving mother, as well as her penchant for sweets. (Left) Talia Langman as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gabriel Estrada as Marty Ginsburg.

The title comes from a quote by Ginsberg in 2015. Speaking at Georgetown University about women’s equality, she said she was sometimes asked when there will be enough women on the Supreme Court. She said, “When there are nine.”

This has become a mantra, sending a strong message about women’s empowerment and fight for equal rights to success and representation.

Deering’s script shows Justice Ginsburg’s deep concern for the welfare of others and captures the wit and humor for which Ginsburg was known. The play is peppered with moments of Jewish tradition and the influence it played throughout Ginsberg’s life.

“I was drawn to direct this piece because it’s so clear that real life RBG felt she had more work to do before leaving the court,” says Hess. (Left to right) Caitlyn Wolfe, Talia Langman, and Ginger DeLeon.

“We really see her character wrestle with that in the show. That urgency and ambition for more progress, paired with her physical fragility, lends itself to a heartbreaking fever dream and a totally new perspective on RBG,“ he said.

The play also conveys the strong influence Ginsberg’s mother had, even though she died when Ruth was young.

“Be somebody,” she had encouraged. And indeed, she did.

When There Are Nine is playing at The Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 North Broadway Avenue in Chicago through March 13. The show runs 90 minutes without intermission.