What the Constitution Means to Me
Pulitzer-prize nominated play debuts at Westport’s Depot Theatre
The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY, presents this upbeat and quick-witted play focusing on a middle-aged woman, Heidi, as she recounts her memories as a speech and debate champion, traveling the country as a precocious and inimitable fifteen-year-old.
Veteran actress Kayla Ryan Walsh plays Heidi as she relives those debate competitions in a community American Legionnaire’s hall. As Heidi, Walsh takes the audience on a fascinating and gut-wrenching journey, exploring our nation’s birthright literature, the Constitution, and its impact on her, her family, and American women.
Each performance ends with a unique, live debate against a student on the subject of the U.S. Constitution.
Theatre Interior. Photo courtesy The Depot Theatre.
The June 29 performance is the play’s preview at the Depot Theatre. That means audiences attend a fully rehearsed and staged performance, although some directorial decisions may be changed for future performances.
Following the performance, the audience is welcome to attend a moderated discussion with the cast and crew.
Tickets may be purchased online now.
Originally premiering in New York City in 2017, “What the Constitution Means to Me” made it to Broadway in 2019, where it received outstanding recognition, including:
Winning an Obie (the American Theatre Wing’s awards for Off-Broadway productions) and a NY Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best New American Play
A Tony nomination for best new play
Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Play
Finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
The play runs at the Depot Theatre in Westport until July 16. Check their website for the latest details, schedule and information on purchasing tickets.
Photo courtesy Westport Theatre
The content and issues “What the Constitution Means to Me” examines are very timely. They are also PG-13 (the narrative discusses adult topics like domestic abuse and sexual assault), so best to leave the Lil’ ADKers at home.
Mountain Lake PBS is the production sponsor.
“What the Constitution Means to Me” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.