BroadwayRadio Podcast Episode Summary Episode: ToB: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | Michelle Azar on Living with RBG
Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: BroadwayRadio

Episode Overview

In this special Saturday edition of BroadwayRadio, host James Marino delves into the latest Broadway happenings, including reviews of the newly opened Operation Mincemeat and an in-depth interview with actress Michelle Azar. Azar stars in the acclaimed one-person show All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, offering listeners a profound exploration of the late Supreme Court Justice's legacy.

Operation Mincemeat on Broadway

Opening and Production Details

Operation Mincemeat premiered at the John Golden Theatre on Thursday, garnering an extended run through August 10th due to strong ticket sales. Originally slated for a shorter period, the show's extension hints at its growing popularity, potentially buoyed by a strong presence at the upcoming Tony Awards.

The production is a transfer from London, where it enjoyed a celebrated, award-winning run. Created and written by the comedy group Spit Lip—comprising David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoe Roberts—the musical is directed by Robert Hasty with choreography by Jenny Arnold. The ensemble cast of five members adeptly portrays multiple characters, delivering a dynamic and engaging performance.

Plot Synopsis

Set in 1943 during World War II, Operation Mincemeat narrates the true story of a daring British counterintelligence operation. The Allies disguise a deceased homeless man’s body, equipping it with false identity papers and misleading information to deceive Adolf Hitler. This clever ruse successfully diverts Axis forces, aiding the Allied invasion of Sicily instead of Sardinia.

Critical Reception

The show has received mixed to positive reviews, with Did They Like It? aggregating 17 reviews: 13 positive, 2 mixed, and 2 negative. Notably, The New York Times critic Jesse Green offered a mixed review:

"Operation Mincemeat, as this real World War II operation was called, works. But is it funny whether Operation Mincemeat, in quotes referring to the musical, the diverting if irksome musical comedy about the plan works as well, will depend a lot on your answer to that question." [04:50]

Green praised the show's clever premise but critiqued its humor, noting:

"The authors... appear to have given insufficient thought to our different senses of humor... If those influences have made you laugh even as much as they have made me, you may still experience diminishing returns in the non-stop tickling of Operation Mincemeat." [06:20]

Conversely, Vulture’s Sarah Holdren was more favorable, highlighting:

"While some moments certainly sizzle more than others, there's more than enough sincerity and goofy charisma on stage to keep the show powered." [07:15]

Variety's Frank Rizzo compared the show to Monty Python on speed, praising its witty lines and fast-paced humor, despite acknowledging:

"The Red Bull tweeness gets grating." [08:00]

Overall, the majority of reviews lean positive, suggesting a well-rounded reception that could position Operation Mincemeat for Tony Award nominations.

Interview with Michelle Azar: Living with RBG

Introduction to the Show

Michelle Azar stars in All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a one-person show that delves into the personal and professional life of the iconic Supreme Court Justice. The play not only portrays RBG’s legal battles but also offers a window into her personal experiences and relationships.

Navigating a Polarized Political Climate

Azar discusses the challenges of performing in a time of heightened political tension. She reflects on audience reactions, including walkouts during sensitive topics like abortion rights:

"It feels enormously... Feels like we cannot give up hope. And I want to be part of hope. I want us to do things differently...find a new way." [09:47]

When questioned about the current lack of compromise in political discourse, Azar emphasizes the importance of personal connections and understanding:

"Ruth... would say, do it one on one. Do it one person at a time." [11:51]

Balancing Authenticity and Dramatization

Azar elaborates on maintaining authenticity while dramatizing RBG's life:

"We are experiencing a part of Ruth Bader Ginsburg that the public has not... lesser-known cases like Reid vs. Reed or Sally Struck." [17:15]

She emphasizes the importance of staying true to RBG's demeanor and legal philosophy, avoiding exaggerated portrayals:

"It's not an SNL skit. We're not trying to do the Oompa humorous version of her." [23:03]

Impact of Current Events on the Production

The evolving political landscape has influenced the show's content and direction. Azar notes textual changes made in response to audience feedback and current events, such as:

"We augmented... the reproductive rights section... Why she stayed on the Supreme Court." [19:35]

She highlights the relevance of RBG’s legacy in today's socio-political climate, especially during times of leadership changes and political upheaval.

Personal and Professional Growth

Playing RBG has been transformative for Azar both personally and as an actress. She shares:

"I have learned that I have a long way to go and that I need to keep learning." [25:48]

Azar also discusses the profound connections she forms with the audience:

"One woman wrote me after the play, 'I decided to go back to grad school.'" [31:09]

This underscores the show's ability to inspire and empower individuals to take meaningful action in their lives.

Political Neutrality and Purpose

When addressing whether the play is political, Azar provides a nuanced perspective:

"It's about standing up for something you care about... how can I go off and not be feeding the people or housing the people because I'm doing a play." [29:00]

She conveys that while the play touches on political themes, its core message centers on personal responsibility and incremental change.

Final Thoughts and Audience Takeaways

Azar hopes that audiences leave with a sense of empowerment and a deeper understanding of RBG’s contributions:

"It's about noticing what you feel, noticing where that feeling takes you, and then taking one step forward in that direction." [32:45]

Her dedication to fostering dialogue and inspiring action aligns with RBG’s legacy of perseverance and justice.

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a comprehensive look at two significant Broadway productions. Through James Marino’s insightful reviews and Michelle Azar’s passionate interview, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the art and its impact on society. Whether you're interested in the tactical brilliance of Operation Mincemeat or the heartfelt portrayal of RBG in All Things Equal, this episode provides valuable perspectives for theater enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, including the promotion for Chris Gethard's podcast, were omitted in accordance with summary guidelines.