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Regional Reviews: Albuquerque/Santa Fe What the Constitution Means to Me Also see Carole's review of Our Town
The play is autobiographical and chronicles how fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States sponsored by the American Legion. In this highly personal remembrance, she traces the profound relationship between four generations of women in her family and how their history relates to the founding document that shaped their lives, the Constitution of the United States./p> This subjective play is nothing less than a chronicle of the legal subjugation of women by men, as experienced in the day-to-day injustices of living while female in the early 20th century in the United States. Ms. Schreck accesses the political through the deeply personal. Her play is a well-crafted piece of persuasion with many clever elements of comedy and satire. The Vortex Theatre's production is directed by veteran Albuquerque thespian, Leslee Richards. It is a well-cast, beautifully designed, clear, and precise presentation that is well worth your time and attention. You will learn a lot about the penumbral nature of the Constitution and what it does and does not spell out.The Vortex is committed to double casting its productions in an effort to be more inclusive. Both casts of What the Constitution Means to Me include seasoned Albuquerque performers. I saw Jane deLaubenfels as Heidi, Mark Comstock as Legionnaire, and Versai Knight as the Debater. All are first-rate performers. Special kudos must go to Jane, whose impressive energy powers the play forward. She is on stage for the entire 80-minute performance and is speaking most of the time. The alternate cast includes multi-talented Wendy Barker as Heidi, her husband Zane Barker as Legionnaire, and Mirey Lopez as the debater. You can't go wrong with either cast. The set by Mary Rossman, with assistance from Nina Dorrance, and Petifoger is practical for the action and captures the slightly dusty atmosphere of an American Legion Hall in the Midwest. I particularly liked the bulletin board the audience could peruse on the way into the space; all the announcements and sale items were very evocative. Lighting designer RayRey Griego illuminates the action and the set splendidly. This play is educational and instructive. Too often these kinds of pieces can be shrill and precious. This is not the case with either the script or this production. Although the U.S. Constitution is perhaps not the positive document some might hope for, it is elastic enough to change. It may be the crucible for the survival of our democracy. As an added bonus, members of the audience can take home a pocket-size copy of the Constitution. This is a worthwhile evening in the theatre! What the Constitution Means to Me runs through November 3, 2004, 15 The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM. For tickets and information, please call 505 9247-8600 or visit www.vortexabq.org. Directed by Leslee Richards, Set Designed by Mary Rossman, Lighting Design by RayRey Griego, Sound Design and Special Effects by Ludwig Puchmayer, Stage Manager, Ludwig Puchmayer. Cast: Heidi-Jane del.Laubenfels and Wendy Barker, The Legionnaire-Mark Comstock and Zane Barker, The Debater-Versai Knight and Mirey Lopez. |
