Now More Punctual than Ever, the Production Also Includes Up-and-Coming Local Young Actors
I remember dying to see Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me, and then, during the pandemic, it came on Amazon Prime. It exceeded my expectations. At that time, From Another Zero had a podcast, and we did a PodView of the show. As wonderful as it is to have access to shows on streaming, nothing beats the real thing, especially seeing the show live. The excitement came back, and there was a full circle moment with North Coast REP, as this is their current show in the season.
When she was fifteen, Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. Years later, she wrote a play about it, recreating the competitions and alternating with her current self while analyzing the supreme law of the land; how, when, who wrote it, and under what grounds. Through this analysis, Schreck not only exposes the white heteropatriarchy but also how other vulnerable groups, like the LGBTQIA+, have had to navigate the system.
In one of the competitions, she references the Constitution as a “living document.” This piece is also a living document as it has seen different administrations since its opening. The play then takes a turn with a couple of debates about two contrasting actions and how, now more than ever, the Constitution needs to be exercised.
Jacque Wilke plays Heidi in the first part and is enchanting and articulate, interacting with the audience while exchanging lines with Andrew Oswald as the hilarious Legionnaire. The audience will also play a couple of different roles, which makes the performance more dynamic and engaging. Shana Wride’s direction is punctual and precise in managing these dynamics and having them follow their course flexibly because each performance will be different, so Wride’s directorial vision reflects pertinence.
Marty Burnett’s detailed set design of an American Legion Hall and Audrey Casteris’s props frame the plot so the story can flow. The audience activity makes it feel more like an “event/competition” with Matthew Novotny’s bright, engaging lighting and Evan Eason’s precise sound channeling the different needs, whether it was debate, interpretation, or interaction.
Elisa Benzoni’s costume design reflected the speech vibe, using business casual attire with a peppy reveal during one of the monologues.
A lovely aspect of this production is the role of the debater, which has two local up-and-coming young actresses alternating. The performance I saw featured Em Danque, who was vibrant, witty, and eloquent.
North Coast REP delivered a marvelous iteration of this show that directly gives food for thought, audience interaction, and camaraderie.
Evelyn G. Myers is the production manager, Ali Flores is the production assistant, and Ashton Botts is the dramaturg.
The time is now. Currently playing and now extended until March 30. For more information, please click here.
And remember, theatre is not expensive when gifting yourself.
