One woman’s personal journey with an important historical document becomes an opportunity for enlightenment in What the Constitution Means to Me, running through March 8, 2026, at Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.
The statement, “It’s my constitutional right!” often gets thrown around whenever someone is trying to defend their actions. While the U.S. Constitution is a valuable component in our lives, how well do any of us intimately understand it and what it means to us as a country? Or as individuals?
Seeking answers to those questions is what makes What the Constitution Means to Me such a special play.
Written and originally performed by Heidi Schreck, What the Constitution Means to Me is based on her life as a 15-year-old, earning her college tuition by competing around the country at American Legion-sponsored debates on the Constitution. Alternating the role of Heidi throughout the run are two familiar MBT faces, Dani Cochrane (Birthday Club) and, at my matinee performance, Cheryl Turski (The Angel Next Door). Turski has been in numerous comedic shows at MBT, and it was delightful to see this more dramatic side of her.
L to R: Cheryl Turski as Heidi, and Dani Cochrane as Heidi (alternating the role of Heidi).
Photo courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
Set in an American Legion hall, Turski pivots between teenage Heidi and adult Heidi, while espousing about the Constitution, particularly the Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments. She is tasked with explaining how she has a personal connection to these amendments, and the Legionnaire moderator, played by Timothy C. Goodwin (Catch Me If You Can), keeps her on track.
As Heidi delves deeper into the nuances of the Fourteenth Amendment, who it protects, and what it means to be ‘American,’ conflicting emotions bubble to the surface as she confronts the generational trauma experienced by the women in her family. What the Constitution Means to Me touches on several hot-button topics, and it is rare to find a play that entertains and informs in equal measure. This is not a ‘woke’ play. As director Travis W. Walter says in his program notes, “We don’t all have to agree all of the time. The beautiful thing about the United States Constitution is that it grants each of us the right to make up our own minds and have our own beliefs.” We are exposed to another example of this when Goodwin transitions to a different character and shares his experiences with sexuality and masculinity.
Whether we agree with Heidi or not isn’t the point. What matters is that her story gets us thinking and creates an opportunity for dialogue with others. Turski gives a vulnerable performance as Heidi, past and present. She is sweet, awkward, endearing, and raw. The way she brings the role and material to life is powerful and poignant.
Towards the end of the play, Heidi goes head-to-head with a local debater, Gracie Walch (in her MBT debut), about whether the Constitution should be kept or abolished. This debate and its conclusion vary by performance, which is another ingenious aspect of this clever play. The audience participates as the jury in the debate, with one person selected to be the judge and deliver the final verdict.
What the Constitution Means to Me is a captivating and inspiring story that will resonate with many – especially women. But make no mistake, it is a story that needs to be heard by all. It reminds us of the importance of speaking up. Even if our voice shakes, and especially when we’re scared. What the Constitution Means to Me is a valuable history lesson that we can’t afford to ignore.
This performance runs for 90 minutes with no intermission.
MBT has given this production a rating for High School age and older.
What the Constitution Means to Me is directed by Travis W. Walter, with scenic design by Ben Hirschfield, costume design by Lu Kaakarni, lighting design by Phill Hall, and sound design by Brendan Eaton. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager, and Stacy White is the assistant stage manager.
Tickets range from $40 to $48 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.
About Sarah Hovis