What the Constitution Means to Me
Comes to Torrance
What the Constitution Means to Me is a hilarious, hopeful, and deeply human exploration of how our nation’s founding document shapes our lives. At fifteen, playwright Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the country. Now, she resurrects her teenage self to trace the profound impact of the Constitution on four generations of women in her family. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nominated for two Tony Awards, this critically acclaimed play is as thought-provoking as it is timely, inviting audiences to reflect on the past, present, and future of American democracy.
Produced by the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation and directed by TOCA’s Artistic Director, Christian Wolf, the production will be performed Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25, 2026, at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, and Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Theatre West in Los Angeles.
Leading the cast as Heidi is Jessica Hayes, an accomplished actress, singer, and songwriter who has captivated audiences throughout Southern California. Her credits include performances at Laguna Playhouse, Long Beach Playhouse, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Hayes brings warmth, wit, and depth to this semi-autobiographical role originally written and performed by Heidi Schreck.
Brian Singer will take on the role of The Legionnaire. Singer’s extensive acting résumé spans theater, film, and television. His stage credits include Picnic, Light Sensitive, Noises Off, and Mister Roberts. On screen, he has appeared in the award-winning film Sweetwater, as well as The Bronx Bull and 9/11, and in national commercials for AT&T, Jeep, Verizon, and Lowe’s.
Rounding out the cast is Brooklyn Reiss as The Teen Debater. A talented 15-year-old sophomore from Mira Costa High School, Reiss already boasts an impressive list of stage credits, including Monsters, Newsies, Matilda, Annie, and The Music Man. In addition to her theater work, she is an accomplished dancer and member of a competitive dance team.
Both timely and timeless, the play challenges audiences to consider what the Constitution means today and what it should mean for generations to come.
What the Constitution Means to Me explores real-life stories and historical experiences with honesty and intensity. The performance includes strong language and mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audience
Performance dates:
