ICT LONG BEACH WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

When fifteen year old Heidi Schreck found her way to Civics and The Constitution of the United States, she must have seen her future.

How any teen is drawn to civics is a bit of a mystery with all the distractions of being a kid nipping at your heels, and by her own admission Heidi was hot for boys from the get go! But!.  in this excellent and compelling presentation directed by ICT''s executive director caryn desai, it's a play, and then some, with its basic premise grounded in the Foundation of our USA!  Please attend! 

Please stand by for a lesson in civics that includes Heidi's delightful story of success: Bright Lights!   Show Biz!  (And a lost toy!)

Kelley Dorney as Heidi and then as herself, Kelley the actress,  tells Heidi's  very personal story  that the playwright  first delivered herself.  We are not only  taken to school on the Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments  to the U.S.Constitution, but share the roots of how this now 'middle aged' woman.. (Dorney looks about sixteen) earned her college tuition with oratory in American Legion Halls all across the country. She credits her mom.

Since developing her great skill at debate and an early understanding of the Constitution, Schreck's intriguing story and this "teach-in" has swept the country, leaving  audiences more informed and, certainly, in love with Heidi. 

Kelley Dorney, Sheila Correa, Tom Trudgeon
Photo by Kayte Deioma

Adjunct Ms Dorney's  really amazing & creative monologue  we meet  Tom Trudgeon  as the American Legion guy and later becoming Heidi's pal, Mike and then the facilitator of the final debate..

After what is basically a 'teach-in' thanks to Heidi, we are treated to a very interesting debate that features the expertise of a high school debater 'from Wilson High'.. compelling and funny, Sheila Correa, who  rocks the audience participation pumped up by cheerleader Tom.   as the women take sides on  whether to keep the Constitution we now 'enjoy'  or junk it with a goal of creating a new version that may be more inclusive. 

These actors are thoroughly enjoying themselves, drawing the audience in. As it should be. The fourth wall is down for this one. .

The polemic regarding how the Supreme Court   of duly NOT elected white men ruled for years (Sandra Day O'Connor arrived as the first woman appointee in 1981) from what may be personal bias for years seems to say that SCOTUS is conducted not so much by law as by politcs.  Audio playbacks of recordings of actual discussions between justices trying to decide the meaning of the word "shall" would be funny if it was not so terribly important.  Google Castle Rock v. Gonzales for a very sad eye opener..

For those who snoozed in High School Civics class, this show may be an opportunity to discover a little interest in how our country works. Copies of the US Constitution are included in the price of admission..  Clearly this show has a strong feminist point of view. The eloquence of Kelley Dorney and her friends makes it palatable, educational & fun.

Kudos to caryn desai and her cast. 

A personal plug for a five minute walk to  The California Pizza Kitchen. Fast service and a great menu.   

 Cast

Kelley Dorney as Heidi and herself

Tom Trudgeon  as the Legion guy & Mike

 Sheila Correa  as herself

Creative Team 

Set designer Tim Mueller, 

lighting designer  Donny Jackson, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Dave Mickey 

 prop designer Patty Briles. 

Casting  Michael Donovan, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA

Public Relations  Lucy Pollak

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Written by Heidi Schreck
Produced and Directed 

by caryn desai [sic]

International City Theatre
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center’s Beverly O’Neill Theater
330 East Seaside Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

Performances: May 3 – May 19
• Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: May 1 ONLY (preview)
• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.: May 2 (preview), May 9, May 16
• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.: May 3 (Opening Night), May 10, May 17
• Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.: May 4, May 11, May 18
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: May 5, May 12, May 19

Opening Night (May 3): $55 (includes post-show reception with the actors)
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except Friday, May 3): $49
Sunday matinees: $52
Previews: $37

Tickets and Information:
InternationalCityTheatre.org.
(562) 436-4610