**** Recommended **** I didn’t know what to expect from What the Constitution Means to Me. I didn’t have the opportunity to see its abbreviated run just before the pandemic began, as I was having knee surgery. As it turned out, the play really was about the Constitution, and playwright Heidi Schreck’s interpretation of that document. Cassie Beck, who plays Schreck, has a warm and humorous touch. I learned a few things – and had a good time too. 4 Spotlights
As a 15-year-old, Heidi Schreck entered a Constitutional debate/scholarship contest at the American Legion Hall in her home town. After winning that contest, she continued, actually winning enough scholarships to pay her way through college. Truth be told, I’m kind of jealous of Schreck, because I won my school’s Legion award, but I got a medal, not a scholarship!
Recently Schreck decided to take a look at that speech and maybe retool it, but when she learned that her mother had thrown it out, she decided to see if she could recreate it. Explaining that the set was a replica of the Legion Hall in Wenatchee, Washington, Apple Capital of the World, she became her 15-year-old self, and gave her impassioned speech.
I have to say, I think I knew Mike Iveson’s legionnaire. He was by turns abrupt, condescending, a little bored, rigid in his interpretation of the rules and totally shocked when Schreck’s speech went in a new, personal and very feminist direction.
By the way, everyone leaves with a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the theater. Guests are required to wear masks while inside the building.
What the Constitution Means to Me runs through November 7th at the Broadway Playhouse at Watertower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Running time is 1 hour, 40 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 at pm; Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with a Wednesday matinee November 17th. Tickets start at $30. FYI www.broadwayinchicago.com.