The genuine article

A timely and powerful play, “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck will open at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Friday, Oct. 10.

New Visions Arts invites audiences to experience this Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award–nominated play that powerfully explores America’s founding document and its impact on ordinary lives. The author combines humor, poignancy and debate while revisiting her 15-year-old self, competing in constitutional contests to earn college tuition.

Schreck weaves in the stories of four generations of women in her family to personalize how the constitution affects our daily lives.

Through this inventive structure, the play highlights complex issues of civil rights, reproductive freedom, social justice and democracy. Schreck’s storytelling brings the Constitution to life as both a historic and living document, sparking conversations about its role in shaping our past, present and future.

Performances will run weekends from October 10 through October 26, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinées at 2:30 pm. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 group rate and $15 for students. For more information and tickets, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.