WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York, is pleased to announce the cast for the first show of the theatre’s 45th season main stage lineup: WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME by Heidi Schreck.
The production is an upbeat and quick-witted play in which a middle-aged woman (Schreck) recounts her upbringing as a speech and debate champion, traveling the country as a precocious fifteen-year-old. Reliving these competitions in a community American Legionnaire’s hall, Schreck takes the audience on a fascinating and gut-wrenching journey, ending each performance with a unique, live debate against a student on the subject of the U.S. Constitution.
The leading role will be played by Kayla Ryan Walsh. This will be Walsh’s Depot Theatre debut. She was last seen in THE ROSE TATTOO at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and starred as Alana in the regional premiere of Jeremy O. Harris’ SLAVE PLAY. Kayla has worked regionally at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Theatre Aspen, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre, Short North Stage, and Weathervane Playhouse to name a few. She also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at The Globe in London under Philip Bird’s mentorship.
The role of the Legionnaire will be played by Michael J. Connolly. His favorite regional credits include Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT at Meow Wolf in collaboration with ISC Santa Fe, THE CHERRY ORCHARD and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre, THE LONG WEEKEND at Lake George’s Lake Theatre, and a world premiere with Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown, NJ. New York City credits include new adaptations of Victoria Benedictsson’s THE ENCHANTMENT at HERE, CHEKHOV’S PLATONOV at Columbia Stages, Alan Ayckbourn’s JOKING APART, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, SHE LOVES ME, BYE BYE BIRDIE, and SWEENY TODD. Michael has trained with Terry Schreiber in NYC, at LAMDA in London (M.A.), studied engineering at Princeton, and has also been caught behind the scenes playing the trombone. Additionally, Michael is the principal of Breukelen Stage & Film LLC.
The Debater will be played by Lydya Felix. Felix is a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, and she has been in many theatrical productions such as THE WIZARD OF OZ, BYE BYE BIRDIE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, ANNIE, HAIRSPRAY, and most recently 9 TO 5. She is planning to graduate with a BA in Theatre and continues to pursue her career in acting.
“This production bursts with intellectual intrigue, personal and heartfelt stories, and a powerful sense of community,” said Michael Glavan, Depot Theatre Artistic Production Manager. “This talented cast will certainly deliver an exciting performance, complete with an entirely unique ending every night!”
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME will run from June 29 through July 16. Season Passes and individual tickets can be purchased online at DepotTheatre.org or by calling 518.962.4449.
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, NY, and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association.
For more information about the Depot Theatre main stage and Academy youth programs and for news updates visit DepotTheatre.org.
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What the Constitution Means to Me
June 30 – July 16, with a $25 Preview on June 29
By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Julie Lucido
RATED: PG-13 (discussion of domestic abuse and sexual assault)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: Mountain Lake PBS
SEASON SPONSOR: The Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation
“What the Constitution Means to Me” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2023 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council. The Depot Theatre 2023 Season is sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation.
The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.