CHADRON – The Chadron State College Theatre department plans a unique presentation of Heidi Schreck’s play, What the Constitution Means to Me, this month and in December.
According to publicity material from Concord Theatricals, the hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human script resurrects Shreck’s teenage self, in a debate format, to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.
Theatre Professor Scott Cavin said he selected three directors, Olivia Freeze, Josie Fritz, and Halle Smith, who will each have a separate cast.
“I thought it was a great way to get as many people involved as possible. Each director will direct their cast with their own unique interpretation,” Cavin said.
All nine performances, three by each cast, will be in the Black Box Theatre. The language and content are intended for adults. Audience members may reserve tickets online at www.csc.edu/academics/theatre.
Smith said her biggest challenge is a lack of directing experience. When she was a senior in high school, she wrote and directed a devised theatre piece that placed fourth at state.
“Since then, my only other experience was a beginning directing class here at Chadron State. However, I have learned a great deal from my past experience with a wide range of directors and I am extremely confident they have given me everything I need to put on a successful show,” Smith said. “There are so many ways this show can go with alternative monologues, metaphors, and endings.”
Riley Perry, who portrays the character of Heidi, said the script touches on some serious discussion topics.
“The show is deep and serious with plenty of comedic moments. However, I love how real its message is. Audiences can look forward to a serious, real, and raw show. We have created some special moments that will touch the hearts of our audiences and other moments that will have them laughing,” Perry said.
Perry said the teenage Shreck is awkward and funny.
“She is also open and honest, which are my favorite qualities about her. Her advocacy for basic human rights, and mainly women’s rights, allows me to connect with her on a deeper level. Her words are inspiring and impactful,” Perry said.
Perry invites the campus and community to see more than just one cast’s performance.
“Even though the scripts are the same, our directors all see the show in a different light. That is what’s so special about what we’re doing. Every person interprets and imagines the story differently,” Perry said.
Trista Topil, who portrays the Legionnaire, a time official who helps Shreck relive her favorite debate when she was 15, enjoys the novelty of three directors and three casts producing the same script.
“Even though all the characters and dialogue are the same, this show was written to have slight variations in dialogue to give the audience a slightly new experience,” Topil said.
Performance Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. (Fritz)
Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. (Smith)
Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. (Smith) and 7 p.m. (Freeze)
Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. (Fritz)
Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. (Freeze)
Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. (Freeze) and 7 p.m. (Fritz)
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. (Smith)
Director: Halle Smith of Wheatland, Wyo.
Stage Manager: Reidun Hammer
Heidi: Riley Perry of Box Elder, S.D.
Debater: Lily Militello of Box Elder, S.D.
Legionnaire: Maiya Timm of Box Elder, S.D.
Director: Olivia Freeze of Bridgeport, Neb.
Stage Manager: Madison Kinney of Gering, Neb.
Heidi: Isabella Ashley of Rapid City, S.D.
Debater: Amber Harvey of Centennial, Colo.
Legionnaire: Samuel LaRive, alumni
Director: Josie Fritz of Rapid City, S.D.
Stage Manager: Chloe Shatswell of Box Elder, S.D.
Heidi: Olivia Behrends of Alliance, Neb.
Debater: Tonah Alexander of Hot Springs, S.D.
Legionnaire: Trista Topil of Lincoln