Photo by Loren Harr/Lore Phototgraphy
A groundbreaking new musical celebrating the women who shaped the highest court in the land begins a limited engagement at Ensemble Theatre Company in Santa Barbara on June 5.
The Southern California premiere of Justice: A New Musical, written by Lauren Gunderson with music by Bree Lowdermilk and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, is the final production of ETC’s 46th season at The New Vic Theatre.
The story of three remarkable women who transformed American jurisprudence forever puts the spotlight on Sandra Day O’Connor, the pioneering first female Supreme Court Justice; Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a tireless champion for gender equality; and Sonia Sotomayor, the Court’s first Latina Justice.
Playing only June 5 through June 22, the musical follows the women’s extraordinary journeys from law school to the highest court in the land, highlighting the personal and professional obstacles they overcame in a male-dominated legal world. Through stirring music, sharp humor, and emotional depth, this innovative production celebrates these judicial icons who forever changed what justice looks like in America.
“This remarkable creative team has crafted a powerful and entertaining musical that brings to life the extraordinary stories of these pioneering women jurists,” according to Scott DeVine, ETC executive artistic director. “Our exceptional cast, led by three of musical theatre’s finest performers, brings these iconic women to life with dignity, humor, and heart.”
Heather Ayers (A Little Night Music and Young Frankenstein on Broadway) plays O’Connor, Julie Garnye (recently heard as a vocalist in the blockbuster 2024 film Wicked) plays Sotomayor, and Valerie Perri (most recently seen in the record-breaking production of Fiddler on the Roof as Golde opposite Jason Alexander) plays Ginsburg.
Director Jenny Sullivan has a long list of credits in both theatre and film. She directed ETC’s recent productions of The Children with Nancy Travis, Linda Purl and Michael Butler and The Gin Game with Joe Spano and JoBeth Williams. She has worked off-Broadway and with the Geffen Playhouse, Laguna Playhouse, and the Pasadena Playhouse among many others. Her films include I Know Catherine, The Log Lady; Access All Areas; and The Next Best Thing, in which she had the good fortune to direct her father, Barry Sullivan.
Musical director Sio Tepper is a multi-instrumental performer, composer, music director, and singer-songwriter based between New York City and her hometown of Santa Barbara.
Ticket prices range from $25 to $94, and all patrons 35 and under are always $35. Student tickets are $25.