‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ at Chance Theater

OC Theatre Guild
Oct 9
4 min read

Updated: Oct 13

Reimagining our founding document through four generations of extraordinary women.

Aubrey Saverino (Photo Courtesy of Doug Catiller)

By Anne Reid

The role of the Constitution today is being challenged like never before, so it seemed like the perfect time to focus on the document itself and examine the living context in which it resides in American life.

For director Katie Chidester, it is deeply personal and why she’s thrilled to direct the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize-finalist “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater this October.

Written by Heidi Schreck, the play blends humor, history and personal narrative to explore America’s founding document. Originally staged on Broadway in 2019, Schreck wrote about its impact on everyday lives and specifically how it impacted her life.

When 15-year-old Heidi needed to raise money for her college tuition, she participated in (and won) debate competitions across the country sponsored by the American Legion. Now a grown woman, she resurrects her teenage self to tell the story of four generations of extraordinary women in her family and how their lives were shaped by the Constitution.

“This play reimagines the Constitution not as just a document, but as a force that shapes our lives and especially the lives of women and marginalized people,” said Chidester. “It’s part history lesson, part personal reckoning, and ultimately a call to action.”

From Left: Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran (Photo Courtesy of Doug Catiller)

For Chidester, directing this play at Chance Theater feels both artistic and urgent. “We’re living in a moment where constitutional rights are being questioned and reshaped in real time,” she said. “Directing this show now felt necessary. I identify with Heidi’s story so much because it feels familiar and personal to me. It’s an honor to share that connection with audiences right now.”

The role of Heidi is one of the most demanding in contemporary theater. Schreck’s script requires a performer who can balance humor, intellectual rigor and vulnerability while carrying the narrative for nearly the entire production. Aubrey Saverino takes on the challenge at Chance Theater.

“Aubrey is such a compelling performer,” Chidester said. “The role asks her to navigate complex legal language, deliver big laughs, and also open her heart to the audience. It’s daunting, but she’s more than up to the task.”

The production also highlights the next generation through the role of the student debater, played alternately by Maria Wang and Reya Shah, both high school freshmen with backgrounds in theater and debate. “They bring honesty, intelligence and fearlessness to the stage,” Chidester said. Robert Foran rounds out the cast as the Legionnaire, who represents both the rules of the debate and the institutional voice of the organization, providing what Chidester describes as “heart and great comedic timing.”

The production design recreates the familiar setting of a small-town American Legion hall – the kind of place where Schreck herself competed as a teenager. Scenic designer Megan Hill, lighting designer Kara Ramlow and sound designer Kristofer Kataoka collaborated to build a world that feels both specific and universal.

“In such a text-heavy show, the design needs to support the story rather than distract from it,” Chidester said. “Our designers have created an environment that gives the dialogue space to resonate.”

One of the most distinctive elements of “What the Constitution Means to Me” is its live debate segment, in which a student debater faces off against Heidi on constitutional questions and the audience helps determine the winner.

“It’s so wonderfully and uniquely American to include the audience in a rousing democratic exercise,” Chidester said. “No two performances are the same, and the debate reminds us that the Constitution is a living document and one that we all have a stake in.”

Chidester believes Chance Theater is the perfect venue for the show. Known for its intimate space and commitment to bold, thought-provoking productions, the theater allows audiences to feel like part of the conversation.

“The Chance is about community,” Chidester said. “This play is not just about watching but about reflecting, questioning and discussing. The audience becomes part of the story, and the Chance is a place where that kind of dialogue thrives.”

Robert Foran (Photo Courtesy of Doug Catiller)

As the nation continues to grapple with questions of rights, representation and justice, “What the Constitution Means to Me” offers audiences a space to laugh, reflect and engage with the founding document that shapes American life.

“This show is funny, it’s heartbreaking, and leaves you changed,” Chidester said. “My hope is that people leave the theater not just entertained, but inspired to think about what the Constitution means to them right now.”