Lost Nation Theater presents timely play, ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’
September 29, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
At right Kianna Bromley as Heidi, Michael Halloran as the legionnaire, and Josephine Taylor as a student debater rehearse for 'What the Constitution Means to Me,' by Lost Nation Theater. Photo by John Lazenby
For its final production of the season, Montpelier’s Lost Nation Theater presents the award-winning play, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” over the next two weekends.
Performances are scheduled Wednesdays-Sundays, Oct. 1-11, at Montpelier City Hall Arts Center.
The intergenerational story stems from playwright Heidi Schreck’s real life, where, as a teenager, she earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions.
Drawing on that experience, she’s created a humorous and hopeful play that casts the U.S. Constitution as a lead character. The story follows four generations of her family, weaving in their connections to the nation’s founding document.
“It offers a uniquely human look at our civic roots and celebrates the enduring spirit of democracy. With wit and heartfelt storytelling, the play encourages us to look at what we might need to do better,” Lost Nation’s announcement of the production states.
The work simultaneously explores constitutional rights, gender equality, and the personal impact of historical documents on contemporary life while giving the audience a chance to laugh, boo, hiss, applaud, and choose who wins a debate.
The play premiered on Broadway in 2019 with Schreck in the lead role as herself. Since then, “What the Constitution Means to Me” has earned numerous honors, including an Obie Award, the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, Tony Award nominations, and it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Directing for Lost Nation is Jennifer Sassaman, who says she wants audiences to ask, “What is our role in America’s ongoing story?” while taking in a story that pairs hard truths with humor, joy and hope.
“The play is often laugh‑out‑loud funny, and that levity becomes a kind of buoyancy, allowing audiences to face the difficult moments without being overwhelmed,” she said.
The show casts Heidi with Kianna Bromley, who directed Lost Nation’s production of “Into the Woods.”
She says taking on this role has been an education in itself. “I am a more educated citizen just for having had the opportunity to learn these lines and do the research associated with its content. I connect deeply with her humor, her anger, and her ability to understand the hard realities of human nature while never doubting that we can rise above them,” she said.
Bromley reflects on the timing of the presentation less than a month before the national general election. “I want people to see this show not only to enjoy our acting or designs, but to engage in meaningful conversation and activate our very real power as people. Please come. Please vote. Please fight for our democracy,” she said.
As Schreck puts it, “We all belong in the preamble.”
Josephine Taylor and Kianna Bromley are characters Lost Nation Theater's 'What the Constitution Means to Me,' Oct. 1-11. Photo by John Lazenby
Other key roles are played by actor and musical director Michael Halloran and Josephine Taylor, making her Lost Nation debut as a student debater.
Rounding out the production’s team are set designer John Paul Devlin, costume designer Cora Fauser; Charlotte Seelig on lighting and Andrew Vachon on sound. Bailey Johnston stage manages, and all are supported by Artistic Directors Kim Bent and Kathleen Keenan.
Performances are Wednesdays-Sundays, Oct. 1-11. Evening showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays. There are two 2 p.m. Sunday matinees, as well as a 2 p.m. show on Saturday, Oct.10.
Tickets range from $15-45 (depending on type and day). A pre-show party with refreshments is included in the ticket price for Friday, Oct. 2.
Purchase advance tickets and find more information online at lostnationtheater.org. Also, contact Lost Nation Theater at 802-229-0492 or by email at info@lostnationtheater.org.