MBT’s ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ is Prolific in All the Right Ways
It’s not completely out of pocket to say that we’re living through unprecedented times, with everything that seems to be going on in the world. Be it globally, in our country, or even on a local or personal level, there’s a never-ending slew of events happening that impact our lives day in and day out. It’s during such strife-filled times, such as this, that I need a reminder that there is hope just around the corner. I didn’t go into What the Constitution Means to Me at Meadow Brook Theatre expecting to find that glimmer of hope (to be honest, I’m not sure what I was expecting when I walked into the Rochester Hills theater), but that was exactly what I received.
With Travis W. Walter returning to the director’s chair, What the Constitution Means to Me pulls audiences through the mud our current reality feels like and reminds each and every person what it means to have faith in the documents that formed our country. It’s common to lose our belief in things like the Constitution when they feel like they were written for a world that doesn’t really exist anymore, but through this incredible play written by Heidi Schreck, you’re reminded of what sparkling possibilities could still remain from this piece of history.
While the cast is small, What the Constitution Means to Me is mighty, punching far above its weightclass and leaving an impossible impact. As an audience member, I left feeling renewed, reinvigorated, and filled with hope that perhaps the world isn’t as dark as I thought it was just a few hours before.
[Warning: Spoilers from Meadow Brook Theatre’s What The Constitution Means to Me are below!]
Looking back at a simpler world in What the Constitution Means to Me
It’s always interesting to be able to look back on a part of your life, even more so when you do it in front of a crowded audience. Reflection is truly what’s at the core of What the Constitution Means to Me, as the playwright explores her adolescence through one of her favorite pastimes: debate competitions about the U.S. Constitution. I know what you’re thinking, that doesn’t necessarily seem like a fun hobby, but as Heidi (played by Dani Cochrane at our performance) explains, this was a way to gather money for college.
And so, when What the Constitution Means to Me opens, the audience finds present-day Heidi looking back at her past self and at how a document written centuries ago still impacts her life and the lives of other women. It’s this simple premise that has such deep power, as this show is mostly one woman stepping in and out of an integral moment in her life. Transitioning between teenage and adult Heidi allows her to pause on impactful things she says, giving audiences (whom she speaks directly to) insight into where she was all those years ago and how that has shaped her into who she is today.
There’s weight to the story Heidi is exploring, as the struggles that were apparent when she was younger remain relevant today. Ultimately, it proves how little the needle has swung one way or another; that’s also one of the driving factors for What the Constitution Means to Me as well. Because there has been so little improvement, we the people (see what I did there?), have to continue pushing forward until we enact the change we want to see for others.
A deeper message in this Meadow Brook Theatre production
While this play focuses on the specific impact on Heidi and on women in general, it’s a story that speaks to any and all minorities attempting to survive in America. It challenges what it means to have rights, both by this important American document, and also how to operate with the idea of humanity first. Humanity lies at the core of this story, and the use of anecdotes from Heidi’s life helps center the point that What the Constitution Means to Me is attempting to make.
Which it does. This play succeeds in delivering its poignant message that is both harrowing and hopeful. As a gay man, I saw so much of the struggle I’ve faced in my personal reality, as well as that of my fellow LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, which allowed me to feel seen in a way that I don’t always get from other theatrical productions. It was validating to have another speak generally about the struggles all minorities face in this country, in a show where there is truly no place to hide.
What Meadow Brook Theatre’s production of What the Constitution Means to Me does is to step outside the framework of the story, peeling back the layers to reveal something even deeper. As the story navigates towards the ending, they have the actress playing Heidi remove the brightly colored jacket and stand in front of everyone as themselves.
For our story, Dani Cochrane took on the role of Heidi and vulnerably stands before the audience as herself as the play enters its final chess move. No longer is Cochrane playing a part; instead, she is presenting herself as the protagonist of her own story. Doing so takes the responsibility off the show and places it on her and the audience’s shoulders. From that moment on, the audience is no longer just a passive participant in the show but an active catalyst for change in the world.
Dani Cochrane is the perfect shepherd for this story, as she is just as believable as Heidi as she is as herself. She’s sharp, witty, and deeply charming, which helps the message cement more easily for those in attendance. You gain such an appreciation for the Constitution and the power it still holds, but also for how important it is to keep fighting until everyone has equal rights, a message that couldn’t be possible without a strong actress in the role.
Equally as important to the show are Timothy Goodwin and Gracie Walch, who are the only two, in addition to Cochrane, in this performance of What the Constitution Means to Me, although the role of Heidi is shared with Cheryl Turski depending on the performance. You couldn’t have a complete show without Goodwin and Walch, although each one brings a different weight to the show.
Timothy Goodwin plays a similar role to Cochrane’s, stepping in and out of the show, though not as himself. Instead, he plays the Legionnaire moderating the debate in Heidi’s adolescence, as well as another who serves as an important reflection of the central message. It’s the second of the two that moved me as deeply as Heidi’s, although perhaps a bit more reflective of me and my identity, and the one I could relate to the most. Goodwin excels at both the blank slate character and the deeply reflective role, a testament to his talent.
And What the Constitution Means to Me couldn’t be possible without the intoxicating energy of Gracie Walch. Walch doesn’t come into the show until almost the end, but serves as the essential debater to Cochrane. Through this rousing debate, audiences are made to confront one of the most important questions: Should the Constitution be kept in place or replaced with something new?
While the question doesn’t necessarily have a right or wrong answer, Walch helps the audience see just how complex the topic is. Walch is dynamic in both their argument and in their performance, making What the Constitution Means to Me a must-see for their role alone.
Final thoughts on What the Constitution Means to Me
It took me two times seeing this show to truly understand my own thoughts and feelings about it before I could even put pen to paper. Saying “I was moved” didn’t seem adequate enough to convey how deeply this show impacted me. There are some shows that are basically popcorn productions, and others that leave a lasting mark on you. It’s in the latter that What the Constitution Means to Me resides. There’s a message here that everyone needs to hear and internalize. Meadow Brook Theatre has taken a big swing by producing a play like this, which is desperately needed in this day and age. You’ll walk away feeling lighter and renewed in the effort to do good in the world and push for change for all.
What the Constitution Means to Me runs until March 8th, so get your tickets now before the show is gone! Have you been to Meadow Brook Theatre yet to see this incredible play? Let us know your thoughts on social media @bsb.insider!
