Every Murder has a Happy Ending

A potentially interesting core concept of "how do we reconcile the humanity of those we find reprehensible" is buried deep beneath a weak delivery. Playwright and actor Angela Ronaldis clearly has strong feelings on the topic, honed from her years in law, but is held back by an unwillingness to offer any genuine criticism to the point of view she clearly wants to present as right. A one-woman show at this scale isn't easy, and while Rinaldis is to be applauded for her effort, unfortunately, this performance doesn't pass the bar.

Angela Rinaldis delivers a brave, honest, and captivating solo performance in Every Murder Has a Happy Ending, a deeply personal account of her time as a young criminal defence lawyer during one of Canada’s most infamous gang trials. The show is equal parts legal drama and emotional memoir, blending complex courtroom dynamics with raw, human vulnerability. Rinaldis plays herself and a host of other characters—lawyers, gang members, and more—effortlessly transitioning between them with nuance, clarity, and surprising humor. Her storytelling is both grounded and poetic, as she unpacks how a high-stakes murder trial unexpectedly intersects with love, self-discovery, and the grey areas of justice. What begins as a pursuit of professional success becomes something far more transformative. This 45-minute piece is an impressive testament to Rinaldis’s talent—not just as a performer, but as a storyteller unafraid to confront the darkness and still find something resembling light. Verdict: A must-see solo show—powerful, personal, and deeply moving.