This hilarious one-act operatic comedy by Derrick Wang explores the unlikely friendship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Their shared love of opera and humor sealed their bond as friends.

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Scalia/Ginsburg

Kentucky Opera

Scalia/Ginsburg is a comic opera written by lawyer  Derrick Wang that explores the lively, unexpected friendship between Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. When Scalia’s fiery dissents land him in a cosmic “prison,” his unlikely ally Ginsburg arrives to help him out (and, of course, debate along the way). Through musical sparring, legal philosophy, and wit, Scalia/Ginsburg celebrates two brilliant minds finding common ground—one opera aria at a time.

Marquette University

OperaDelaware presented Derrick Wang’s poignant and hilarious musical drama Scalia/Ginsburg in the 2019 festival. Delaware audiences are in for a treat as he returns to Wilmington for the world premiere of his newest opera: Fearless. 

FEARLESS: A world premiere

Grand Opera House

Wang's Scalia/Ginsburg! Hailed as “a dream come true” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), a “perfect…jewel” (Opera Today), and “the kind of opera that should be everywhere” (OperaWire), Scalia/Ginsburg is a one-act operatic comedy about the unlikely friendship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia — and the pivotal moment that would change the Supreme Court for years to come. This juristic double bill will also feature Gilbert & Sullivan’s one act gem, Trial by Jury. Artistic Director Josh Shaw’s and Kelsey N. Johnson's new libretto updates the setting from 1880s England to a 1980s divorce court.

Scalia/Ginsburg & Trial by Jury

Highland Park Ebell Club

Opera Ithaca presents the Scalia/Ginsburg opera, a unique and compelling performance that brings together the worlds of opera and civil discourse in an extraordinary showcase. This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, at 7:00 PM, and will take place at the prestigious Willard Straight Hall, located within Cornell University at 136 Ho Plaza, Ithaca.

"Scalia/Ginsburg" is an opera crafted by the talented Derrick Wang, which explores the unlikely friendship between two Supreme Court Justices who were known for their polar opposite political views. This performance is not just an opera but a celebration of unity, dialogue, and the power of art to bridge ideological divides. It is presented in collaboration with the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University, underscoring the importance of civil discourse in today's society.

The cast features Rachel Schutz as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chad Kranak as Antonin Scalia, and Jesús Vicente Murillo as The Commentator, bringing to life the dynamic and respectful relationship between Ginsburg and Scalia. The creative team is led by Danielle Jagelski, serving as the conductor, and Ben Robinson, taking on the role of director, ensuring a production of the highest quality.

This event is proudly sponsored by the Biennial Cornell Brooks School Program, which aims to honor the legacies of Martin Ginsburg ’53 and Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’54. The program highlights policy issues significant to Justice Ginsburg and promotes artistic expressions that foster community and understanding. This initiative is made possible through the support of Christie and Jeff Weiss '79, enriching the lives of attendees, especially Cornell students, by emphasizing the values of empathy, respect, and intellectual engagement.

Please note that the performance on September 23rd is sold out, indicating the high demand and significant interest in this groundbreaking opera.

Derrick Wang

Events

Past events

10 - 17 Apr, 2026

Scalia/Ginsburg · Kentucky Opera

18 - 20 Jul, 2025

Scalia/Ginsburg · The Florentine Opera

About

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