In the wake of the presidential election, you may feel like you’ve had enough of politics, at least for now. But even if you don’t want to hear about the day-to-day machinations inside the Beltway, you can still enjoy a lively discussion about the current state of the Constitution without — I promise — inducing a panic attack.
For thought-provoking political entertainment with both heart and humor, see “What the Constitution Means to Me,” now playing at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa.
Playwright/actor Heidi Schreck’s autobiographical play was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Play. In its original Broadway run, Schreck played herself, both in the present and as a 15-year-old high school student who participated in the Constitution debates to win prize money for college.
Set in the hall where the high school debates were held, “What the Constitution Means to Me” focuses primarily on the amendments that cover women’s rights and citizenship rights. Topics covered include Roe v. Wade, immigration, domestic violence, and voter suppression.
But the game is not as dry as it might seem.
Schreck’s adult character increasingly incorporates personal family stories into his quirky high school speeches, keeping the audience emotionally and intellectually engaged.
Petaluma actress Sandra Ish plays Heidi in a role that seems made for her.
Always a powerful performer, Ish is capable of transporting an audience from laughter, which borders on raucous, to the delicate verge of tears in a single sentence. Although this play is entirely scripted, the naturalistic style Ish employs here makes it seem as if she is improvising, as her character moves from past to present, telling one story after another without ever losing sight of her passionate beliefs . On opening night, Ish was unfortunately recovering from a recent bout of flu, which clearly affected his energy and sometimes his memory, but I have no doubt that subsequent performances will have the audience hanging on to his every words.
Ish carries the main story, but she is ably supported on stage by Keith Baker as a World War II veteran debate moderator, who later leaves this role to share with the audience – in a moving monologue – his personal experiences with the Constitution as a man.
In the final part of this 90-minute play, 15-year-old Nadia Hill appears as a high school debater to challenge Schreck in a debate over whether to repeal and replace the Constitution — a role Hill plays with blood. -admirable cold. The theater audience is invited to respond to this debate and deliver the final verdict – a process that reminds us why this issue should concern us all today.
Bronwen Shears directs this production effectively, keeping the direction simple and allowing her actors to shine. She’s aided by talented lighting designer April George, a modest set by designer Andrew Patton, sound design by Fiona Sharkey, and projections by Laurynn Malilay — including revealing archival video footage of Justice Antonin Scalia and Justice in Chief Earl Warren, among others.
If you’re moving away from the news right now, but still want to be part of the broader political discourse, “What the Constitution Means to Me” is a great place to start the conversation.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jenny is a freelance writer, theater director, reasonable cook, hopeless gardener, and grateful to live in beautiful Sonoma County.