“What The Constitution Means To Me”

***** Those of you who read my reviews and listen to me on the radio know that I truly feel that seeing a play more than once is nothing out of the ordinary and unlike seeing a film, a live play is never the same, so in reality, you are NOT seeing the same play, only the same title!. Not long ago, we were at Timeline Theatre in Chicago for their production of  “What The Constitution Means To Me”, Heidi Schreck’s story of her teen years as a debater. While that was a brilliant production and of course, since it was Timeline, the backstory was on the walls in the lobby, I think the current production on stage at Paramount Theatre’s Copley Theatre, may have a few added touches that modernize and illustrate some depth in the meaning.

As I express on a regular basis, a different set ( this one by Angela Weber Miller) adds to the moment, the direction of course ( Lauren Berman shows that she can do more than musicals) and the cast members ( this cast is amazing) can change the direction of the story. While the story retraces Heidi’s experiences over a 30-year period, it settles on a lot of what we see today. In this  98-minute play, we learn a great deal about portions of the Constitution. What it was designed to do and how, in many ways, the men who created it forgot to look at ALL the people. The story points out that the words, “We the people” do not truly refer to ALL the people, but only to those specified.

We are in an American Legion Hall and Heidi ( played to perfection by Cory Goodrich) is now a 15-year-old. The Legionnaire/host is played by Kevin McKillip ( who later will expose himself as an actor playing the Legionnaire. At the same time, he will expose himself as to who he is and some of his life’s agonies. Is he protected by the 14th Amendment?

Berman has taken a different stance in her direction of the story and one that should make today’s young people re-examine the Constitution and see the problems with what was written a long time ago. Can we possibly amend it to meet the needs of today? Will a play that tells a story like this influence the young people that their vote is highly important? Will they see that change is needed? And that  they can help to bring change by casting their vote. There are some elements of the original play that have changed due to the Court system in place. Tonight, many audience members had their eyes opened wide ( I hope).

As part of the play, a young high school student is brought up to do a debate with our Heidi, who is now, Cory Goodrich. Tonight, this was  Vivian Webb ( the alternate is Lilly Fujioka). Ms Webb was bright, and astute and made her points well. She graced the stage with her presence and made her points with just the right touch. She fit right in with the other cast members and drew the attention of every audience member. FYI You will receive a little book, “The U.S. Constitution and Fascinating Facts About It”.

While you may have seen this play before, you have not seen the production as seen by Ms Berman and as brought to life by Ms Goodrich and company. Put this down on your “TO DO” list!

“What The Constitution Means To Me” will continue Thru – Nov 12,  with performances as follows: