What the Constitution Means to Me at NC Stage Co.
The title What the Constitution Means to Me evokes serious and reverential imagery, almost to the point of unapproachability for the average person. The play itself, however, proves far more funny and entertaining — and is one of the most downright fun productions not featuring Jeeves to land at NC Stage Co.
Heidi Schreck’s autobiographical dramatization of her teenage experiences competing in American Legion speech contests around the country also definitely packs plenty of emotional wallop and challenges theatergoers to consider the work’s name in relation to their own lives. But Hanley Smith’s bubbly performance as Heidi and a script that remains in constant motion throughout its 90-minute, intermission-free run encourage steady engagement rather than lecture hall indifference.
From the start, Shreck’s writing and Charlie Flynn-McIver’s direction charmingly blur the lines between the show and reality. Weaving a self-conscious giggle into a decent number of her lines that makes her Heidi all the more relatable, Smith quickly endears herself to the audience, and her running monologue of memories, asides, and other fourth-wall-breaking is a marvel to behold.
As American Legion rep Danny (a delightfully poker-faced Kelley Hinman) facilitates the resurrected competition, Heidi augments her points with tales of hardships and victories experienced by the women in her family. Though full of heartbreak, these recollections leave her wholly thankful for their sacrifices and offer concrete examples of how our founding documents have consistently failed anyone who’s not a cisgendered straight white man.
Though Smith’s mesmerizing turn would likely be effective in a parking lot, the simple yet effective scenic design from Julie K. Ross provides a nice visual complement, recreating an American Legion hall with an awning, a slightly elevated stage with chairs, a lectern, and a wall featuring numerous photos of U.S. military veterans — intelligently arranged by props designer Sylvia J. Pierce.
And captivating as Smith’s acting is, her vocal cords and attendees’ rapt attention are given welcome respites via several historical audio snippets that further illustrate Heidi’s points, complete with pleasing lighting design from CJ Barnwell and Flynn-McIver’s thoughtful sound design.
With everyone recharged for the home stretch, What the Constitution Means to Me concludes with Smith going head-to-head with a student debater as each takes a side on whether to abolish the Constitution. The Sept. 6 performance featured the confident and plucky Elise Carson, who’s alternating nights with the assuredly likewise talented Ava Leigh Manderson, and it’s a delight to witness their rapid-fire arguments.
Throughout this climax, it’s tough to be certain of what’s scripted and what’s either so organically presented that it seems improvised — or is indeed being made up on the spot. It’s a rare bit of theatrical magic and wouldn’t have been possible without such inspired material and this gifted cast and crew.
What the Constitution Means to Me runs through Sunday, Sept. 24, at NC Stage Co. For details and tickets, visit ncstage.org.
(Photo courtesy of NC Stage Co.)
