Letter from Kathleen Taylor

Play’s Message Still Rings True

In these times, it’s wonderful to experience something meaningful and affirming. Last weekend, Cherry Valley Artworks gave three audiences just that, with its performances of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” a 2019 Broadway hit whose message lands with everyone.

Playwright Heidi Schreck structured a tale of four generations of women that invited audience participation, included a mini-debate, and ended with attendees contemplating what it truly means to be American.

The play was alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, and it was deeply patriotic…perhaps in unexpected ways. The setting is an American Legion hall, and all three actors (Maureen Iseman Broeking, Chris Shearer, and 15-year-old newcomer Bella Crowe) earned their standing ovations. While the nonprofit Cherry Valley Artworks produced the play, the local American Legion post, which shares space with the arts organization, contributed props (and applause).

The experience was heartwarming, and I urge Artworks (cvartworks.org) to put on more plays in the future. I encourage everyone to attend. If you can’t swing the tickets, dress rehearsals are free!

Kathleen Taylor
Cherry Valley