Episode Player

Pioneer Productions Company Presents 'What the Constitution Means to Me'

Jersey Arts Podcast

Chapters
0:00
Setting The Stage
0:20
Why This Play, Why Now
2:37
Cast Intros And Backgrounds
4:05
Constitution: Museum Piece Or Living Document
7:05
Season Planning And Timing
9:20
What The Play Explores
12:20
Making Heidi’s Story Personal
16:05
Humor As A Way To Learn
18:40
Interpretation, Penumbra, And Power
23:00
Pre-Show USO Cabaret
26:00
Dates, Tickets, And Closing
Jersey Arts Podcast
Pioneer Productions Company Presents 'What the Constitution Means to Me'
Jan 29, 2026
ArtPride New Jersey

If you’re an avid news viewer, you’ve probably heard discussions of the U.S. Constitution bandied about as of late. Is it being violated? Are we upholding it? Does anyone really know what’s in it?

Well, if you’re not sure what’s in it but you’re intrigued and would like to learn through a fun and engaging night at the theater, Pioneer Productions Company invites you to their production of “What the Constitution Means to Me.”

And if you do know what’s in it and enjoy lively debate, you’re still going to want to see this show! But what is it really about?

The autobiographical two-time Tony-nominated play and Pulitzer finalist was written and first performed by Heidi Schreck. The synopsis reads: Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

Miriam Salerno will tackle the role of Heidi alongside Benjamin Weisman as the Legionnaire under the direction of Pioneer Artistic Director Daniel Vissers. Ashlee Vissers will appear as the Debater.

Not only is this an engaging play, but this production is bookended by excitement, beginning with a pre-show USO performance by Jade Delos Santos and ending with a live debate where it is up to the audience to proclaim the winner!

Thanks for listening!

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