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George Street Playhouse presents An Evening of Constitutional Conversation

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 09/24/2024


(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Tony Award nominee and playwright of What the Constitution Means to Me Heidi Schreck and Dr. Elizabeth C. Matto ("To Keep the Republic: Thinking, Talking, and Acting Like a Democratic Citizen"), Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in a conversation moderated by director Laiona Michelle about What the Constitution Means to Me.

The event will be held on Monday September 30, 2024 at 6:30pm at Rutgers University Academic Building East Wing in Room 4225 (15 Seminary Pl, New Brunswick, NJ 08901). To register for this free event, please visit www.georgestreetplayhouse.org/conversation.

Step into an unforgettable evening of thought-provoking discussion as George Street Playhouse and the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University team up to host a powerful conversation featuring playwright Heidi Schreck and Dr. Elizabeth C. Matto, Director of the Eagleton Institute. With the 2024 election season heating up, this conversation promises to be more relevant than ever.

Moderated by the show's director, Laiona Michelle, this one night only event will dive into the pressing issues raised by the play—how the U.S. Constitution affects our daily lives, especially for women and marginalized communities, and why it remains a critical document in shaping our democracy.

In the lead-up to a pivotal election, this is your chance to engage with the minds behind one of the most important plays of our time. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect on our nation's past and future in a conversation that could not be more timely or necessary.




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This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about civic engagement, theater, and the future of our democracy!

Metered parking is available around the building. Visitors can also park at the College Avenue Parking Deck, Lot 30 behind the College Avenue Student Center, or Lot 16 behind Milledolar Hall.

What the Constitution Means to Me is the 2019 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama by Heidi Schreck and directed by Laiona Michelle. The show will begin previews on September 24, 2024 and open on September 27 for a limited run through October 13, 2024. Tickets are available now at www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.

The cast of What the Constitution Means to Me will include two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin (Hello, Dolly!) as Heidi and Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan, Nat’l Tour of The Sound of Music) as the Legionnaire. Niara Beckwith and Wobirba Ekuba Sarpey will complete the cast as Debaters.

The creative team of What the Constitution Means to Me will feature scenic design by Shoko Kambara (Little Girl Blue), costume design by Niiamar Felder (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), lighting design by Christopher Bailey (The Immigrant), and sound design by Kwamina Biney (The Sabbath Girl: A New Musical). Samantha Flint (tick, tick...BOOM!) will serve as the Production Stage Manager. Casting is by McCorkle Casting.

What the Constitution Means to Me is sponsored by The Karma Foundation. How relevant is the United States Constitution in today's society? Does this document truly protect ALL Americans?

Playwright Heidi Schreck delves into multiple facets of this historic document, debating as to whether or not we should keep or abolish it. By blending together different American perspectives, What the Constitution Means to Me allows the audience to define the Constitution's true worth.

What the Constitution Means to Me was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2019, and was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Play.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint since 1997, George Street Playhouse produces groundbreaking new works, inspiring productions of the classics, and hit Broadway plays and musicals that speak to the heart and mind, with an unwavering commitment to producing new work. As New Brunswick’s first producing theatre, George Street Playhouse became the cornerstone of the revitalization of the City’s arts and cultural landscape. Entering its 50th season, the organization has a rich history of producing nationally renowned theatre. The Playhouse continues to fill a unique theatre and arts education role in the city, state and greater metropolitan region.

Beginning with the 2019-20 Season, George Street Playhouse moved to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in downtown New Brunswick. Featuring two state-of-the-art theatres—The Arthur Laurents Theater with 253 seats and The Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater which seats 465—and myriad amenities, the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center marks a new era in the esteemed history of George Street Playhouse. Founded by Eric Krebs, George Street Playhouse, originally located in an abandoned supermarket on the corner of George and Albany Streets, was the first professional theatre in New Brunswick.

George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.



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