6th Street Playhouse presents Heidi Schreck’s “What the Constitution Means to Me,” a fast-paced, 90-minute, profoundly personal and political play that challenges us to reconsider the relevance of the U.S. Constitution. Can this centuries-old document evolve beyond its ingrained gender and racial biases? Is it able to address those deeply rooted issues facing women and marginalized people today?
Schreck draws inspiration from her teenage experience debating constitutional topics across the country. At fifteen, she funded her college education by delivering speeches about the Constitution. In her play, Schreck revisits her younger self, tracing how the unamended document has affected the lives of women. “What the Constitution Means to Me” premiered at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York City in 2018. It earning numerous awards, including an Obie Award, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 2019.
Scenic Designer Andrew Patton’s debate stage perfectly portrays the drab atmosphere that accompanies a small Legionnaire’s Hall. With chairs on either end, a dais stands in the middle for presentations.
As a background scene, it enhances the focus on dynamic Sandra Ish’s witty, incisive, and dramatic portrayal of Heidi Schreck. She grabs the audience attention and holds on through the final surprising event. Not a dull moment in this play.
Sandra Ish as Heidi Schreck
The play’s conflict includes the written citizen’s right to protection under law, and the unsettling illusion that such protection truly exists. Ish skillfully illuminates two key amendments: the 9th (enumeration of rights), and the 14th involving the rights of those born in the U.S. Ish switches moods between portraying a 15-year-old Schreck and her present-day persona flawlessly.
Actual, dated projections of Judge Mateo (exploring the meaning of the word “shall”) and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (advocating for women’s rights) flash on screens adorning the walls, thanks to Projection Designer Laurynn Maililay’s.
Keith Baker excels as the Legionnaire facilitator of the debate and Schreck’s soft-hearted traveling companion. Highlighted is his touching performance as the boy who missed a fly ball in little league.
Nadia Hill, portraying another 15-year-old debater, presents her logical arguments well, although her delivery was occasionally difficult to hear.
Bronwen Shears coordinates this play with artistry–pacing as well as characters’ portrayals and movement on the front stage. April George’s lighting design aids in showcasing Ish’s change in moods.
The ending offers an unexpected twist: the audience becomes involved in hearing a debate between a 15 year-old-debater and Schreck. During the debate, the audience claps and cheers when in agreement, boos when not in agreement. One randomly chosen audience member decides who wins the debate, adding another interactive element. Bringing the decision to the people is a brilliant aspect of the play.
You can help decide who wins. What “shall” be done with this age-old Constitution in light of all this evidence?
Join an important learning experience and delight in the presentation. This is a call-out to all of us to learn more about the laws that bind us—or fail to.
“What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck, directed by Bronwen Shears at 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa, California info: www.6thstreetplayhouse.com till January 26, 2025
Cast: Keith Baker, Nadia Hill, Sandra Ish