What The Constitution Means To Me reviewed by Paul Lisnek

[rating=4]Pick up the local newspaper (or if you of a younger generation, check your Smartphone) and each day seems to bring us yet another constitutional crisis. Indeed, provisions written centuries ago continue to be stretched and tested as the country works to determine where the balance of power will and should rest among our three branches of government, and exactly who should make such decisions. And so we have ‘What the Constitution Means to Me,” an insightful, thought-provoking play that brings us back to basics, questioning how our rights get molded, limited and sometimes denied told thru the personal experiences and reflections of playwright Heidi Schreck played on the national tour by actress Maria Dizzia.

With her roots in high school debating contests, Schreck tells us that she entered these debate contests, not because she had any deep interest in our historic foundational document, but because there were cash prizes for college to be won in victory would cover the cost of a future college education. Interesting how life’s challenges can lead us to pursue an activity which lead us to have a moment of epiphany.

The show focuses on a past debate likely based on Schreck’s past that regards several provisions of the 14^{th Amendment on equal protection and due process of law. Sound like a snoozer? Not a chance. The amendment comes as we hear how it impacted Schreck’s life in a very real and life-changing way. Of special note, the story and this debate took place before a large group of American Legion (that means all men) who will sit in judgment of the women’s rights based arguments.}

Bringing us back to the days of an all-male Supreme Court, we get the uncomfortable sense that “we” the people (oh, did I mention that it is the audience who plays the role of the all-male VA?) are called upon to judge the rights of women, immigrants and others in a determination of fate we likely don’t feel comfortable or competent to make. Didn’t realize that the centuries old provision lives on today thru constant testing ? This play will enlighten you to be sure.

Autobiographical in its nature, Schreck’s piece is reminiscent (for me anyway) of the work of talented monologist Mike Daisy who, with his single voice can capture the attention of the audience and make us question the very branches of the government (specifically here the judicial branch) actually determining the direction of our lives with decisions that impact them. Except in “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Schreck’s voice and message is told thru the incredibly capable efforts of actress Maria Dizzia,. Hers is an extremely effective performance. Dizzia makes it clear that the story is Schreck’s, not hers; it’s a moving performance that must make the playwright proud.

Dizzia is accompanied on stage by actor Mike Iveson who plays a typically representative member of the American Legion and plays that role as we might expect: comically, nerdy, but likely accurately reflecting an all male group notably uncomfortable with the female-based topics raised. Debates are technically limited by time rules, but here, Schreck has none of it. She has points that need to be made and she makes them.

In a refreshing moment, Iveson gets the spotlight to share his own story. It’s like a mini-version of Schreck’s story although it’s focused on Iveson’s real-life experiences with discrimination. For that moment, Iveson sheds his costume (and American Legion persona) on stage to put his truth out for all to see. And it’s an equally powerful moment of storytelling. Iveson comes to us from the original Broadway cast (and we are lucky to have him); his story is truly his story. In fact, it made me wonder if a future replacement actor (because this show will likely enjoy a long national run) will perform Mike’s story, or whether that future actor will have the freedom to their own life story. After all, this play teaches us that we all have a story to tell and while the answer to my question should be that a future actor must follow the script, one gets the sense here that Schreck respects our very personal challenges and may allow new stories to be told. We will see some day.

Chicago audiences are sophisticated so we leave the theater with the constitutional questions raised in the show likely leading to our post-theater conversations with those with whom we came to the show. Good luck trying not to tie the themes of the play to the challenges of Constitutional questions today.

In a unique twist, we witness our talented debater take on a challenge from a current high school student (in this case, the very talented debater and future actress Jocelyn Shek, who comes from LA); I wonder why the producers did not cast a local high school student to take on the debate challenge here; I’d love to see a local student shine on our stage as he or she takes on the most global question of all: should our U.S. Constitution be abolished? If that question sounds out of bounds for you it’s because you have not yet seen the show. Sit thru the first 80 minutes of this play, and you too will feel the need to consider and debate this grandest of all national questions.

The good news is, the audience gets to chime in by shouting out as the debate unfolds on stage. No cash prizes this time around, but you will have a rewarding sense of accomplishment that after 95 minutes of theater (without an intermission), you may feel a bit smarter and a lot more aware of what our U.S. Constitution means to you. And to assist, opening night audience members left the theater with their own pocket version of the U.S. Constitution to take with them. The perfect way to keep the questions raised alive from a 230 year old document.

Playing at the Broadway Playhouse thru April 12th. Tickets at ^{www.broadwayinchicago.com}

Price: $30-$105

Show Type: Comedy/Drama

Running Time: 2hrs

This review written by: Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV Political Analyst, Host of “WGN-TV Political Report and Host of “Behind the Curtain,” theater podcast on WGNPlus (heard on WGNRadio.com/WGNPlus) and “Backstage” on the Comcast NetworkTo see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” What The Constitution Means To Me”.