Review: 'What the Constitution Means to Me' a Timely Production

In this election year, it's no surprise that local theater is producing some shows that have a political spin – although The Wilbury Theatre Group's production of "What the Constitution Means to Me," by Heidi Schreck, is more than just an examination of her experiences as a teenaged debater trying to make prize money for college.

In a format that seems almost improvisational, Schreck (an American playwright and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2019, the year this show had a limited Broadway run) examines many aspects of the United States Constitution, including "negative" rights that do not protect all Americans, but only white men.

Through a monologue spoken as Schreck's 15-year-old self (portrayed brilliantly here by Charlotte Kinder), and herself 30 years later as an adult, the lead character speaks of her own experience of getting pregnant as a young woman, the abuse of her mother and grandmother by her grandfather, and her great grandmother's admission to a mental hospital and death at the age of 36. The narrative folds in observations about amendments that limit the rights of women and immigrants. It's a dose of history with grand arguments woven throughout.

Through the debate monologue a Legionnaire (played by Ricky Waugh, who makes his debut here in Rhode Island) moderates her speeches, stopwatch in hand, interrupting when she starts to rant about things seemingly unrelated to the Constitution. Waugh is a fine Legionnaire, giving an honest performance in relating a childhood memory about his father. But all of Schreck's script relates to our document of human rights, and the audience is in for quite a ride as Kinder flawlessly switches from teen to adult and then back again. It's here that the play seems to deviate from the script, but this adds to the honesty of the performance.

Lastly, there is a real teen debater (Madison Donnelly, also making her Wilbury debut here) who joins the cast towards the end of the one act play. Donnelly brings a fresh and youthful perspective to the proceedings; at this point the audience is asked to cheer or boo, as both she and Kinder debate either to keep or abolish our Constitution. As the debate comes to a close, one audience member is selected to decide on this particular debate question.

Brien Lang, who has directed many shows for Wilbury, has selected three excellent actors to not only speak Schreck's dialogue, but infuse them with the passion meant for "Constitution." It is a show that should be seen and discussed, and which highlights modern issues relating to our current political climate.

"What the Constitution Means to Me" is running through October 13 at The Wilbury Theatre Group inside the WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street, Providence 02908. For information or tickets, call 401-400-7100 or visit thewilburygroup.org.