Pink Umbrella Theater Co.’s “Sharing Our Stories”

Pink Umbrella Theater Co.’s “Sharing Our Stories”

 

Milwaukee’s Pink Umbrella Theater Co. has something special for Disability Awareness Month.  As part of their program, “Sharing Our Stories,” Pink Umbrella is making filmed versions of its original productions available for viewing for anyone who wants to see them!

 

Here is the official announcement from Pink Umbrella:

 

 

During the month of October, we are making our entire catalog of shows FREE to access!

 

Revisit our stories as told by Disabled Actors and Artists.

We are changing the narrative by changing the narrator.

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Request the entire catalog, or pick and choose what seasons you want to watch. After requesting the catalog, a document containing links to the digital recordings will be sent to you.

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While accessing the digital recordings of our shows are free, a donation of any amount is greatly appreciated in order for us to continue creating accessible theater for all.

 

Shows by Year

·       ​2021 Season - "Scavengers", "Jerome", "All In Your Head", and "Shine!"

·       2022 Season - "Shine! Remount" and "Bigger Top"

·       2023 Season - "Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts - Staged Reading" and "Kaleidoscope"

·       2024 Season - "Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts", "Portraits", and "A Christmas Carol"

·       2025 Season - "Heard Mentality", "Our Mothers Are Not Refrigerators", "Shimmer", and "It's About Time"

 

All of these plays are by people with disabilities and/or present disabilities in original and innovative dramatic manners.  Some are fully produced plays, some are staged readings.    Scavengers is an interactive play about animals and friendship. Jerome is a staged reading of a television series.  All In Your Head is a young woman’s coming-of-age story.  Bigger Top is a sensory friendly and immersive production.  Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts covers OCD and the attendant anxiety.  Kalidoscope is a musical that views the hero’s journey from a different perspective.  Portraits is a musical about a man trying to run a camera business by himself.  A Christmas Carol is a special holiday show.  Heard Mentality looks at hearing impairment, hearing aids, and a first date.  Shimmer is a fantasy about a tree child, eight senses, and unique ways of processing the world.  It’s About Time is a play/musical/variety show exploring various kinds of time and how different people experience it.

 

And finally, there’s my own play, Our Mothers Are Not Refrigerators, the story of four very different people with autism who attend a support group meeting, share their stories, and build surprising connections.

 

So please, check out these original productions, and if you like what you see, write to Pink Umbrella (admin@pinkumbrellatheater.org) and tell them what you liked about these plays, and if you’d like to see them performed again in the future.  Thanks!

 

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindleedition.

 

What Would You Like to See on this Blog?

What Would You Like to See on this Blog?

 

Do you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see on this blog?  Please leave your ideas in the comments.  Thanks!

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindle edition.

Save The Milwaukee Public Museum Website

Save The Milwaukee Public Museum Website

 

There’s a new website promoting the work that concerned citizens are doing to raise questions about what’s happening with the Milwaukee Public Museum.  Please check it out– it’s not too late to make a difference!

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindle edition.

The Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Awards are Open!

 The Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Awards are Open!

 

The Shepherd Express has opened their 35^th annual Best of Milwaukee Awards!  Those who wish to participate can vote for their favorite stores, restaurants, medical practitioners, entertainment venues, and other benefits to the community.

 

I encourage anybody who’s interested to vote.  It’s totally free– all you need is an email address.

 

In the past, some kind supporters have nominated me for Milwaukee Author and my detectives Isaiah Funderburke and Nerissa Kaiming for Local Character.  Thanks for your past support, and if you choose to continue your support, thanks again!

 

Also, if you have an interest in preserving the Milwaukee Public Museum, including the Streets of Old Milwaukee and other unique exhibits, please consider voting for Preserve MKE for Non-profit/Human Services Organization.

 

Thanks!

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindle edition.

Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History Makes the Chanticleer Clue Long List!

Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History Makes the Chanticleer Clue Long List!

 

The Chanticleer Book Awards just announced the Long List for their Clue Awards for Suspense/Thriller, and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History made the Long List!  Congratulations to everybody who made the Long List!

 

This past weekend, the Anthony Awards were announced, and though Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers was nominated in the Nonfiction Category, it did not win.  Similarly, She Ruined Our Lives was nominated for Best Literary at the Silver Falchion Awards but did not win.  Congratulations to the winners of those awards, as well as the other Anthony nominees!

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindle edition.

 

A Potential Preserve MKE Commercial

 A Potential Preserve MKE Commercial

 

(We open outside the Milwaukee Public Museum.  Large crates are being hauled out.  A CONCERNED CITIZEN approaches the workmen.)

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  What’s in the crates?

 

WORKMAN.  Oh, just a bunch of items that won’t be making the move to the replacement museum.  Antiques from the Streets of Old Milwaukee, animal exhibits, artwork from ancient cultures….

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  Wait… These exhibits are not going to be on display anymore?  What’s happening to them?

 

WORKMAN.  Some will go into storage.  Others will be thrown out, given away, or sold.

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  What?  What’s going to get thrown out?  Who will get these exhibits or buy them?

 

WORKMAN.  Don’t ask me.  The museum’s not saying.  I’m just doing my job.

 

(Cut to a Milwaukee public park.)

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  Hey!  What’s going on at the park?

 

DEVELOPER.  It’s not a park anymore.  It’s been rezoned for a housing project.  

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  You can’t tear up these woods.  This is a public park!

 

DEVELOPER.  Not anymore.  It’s been rezoned for construction.  Now go away before I have you arrested for trespassing.

 

(Cut to the Charles Allis Art Museum.)

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  What’s happening to the art museum?

 

REALTOR.  The county’s selling the building.

 

(Cut to a public pool.)

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  What can’t I take a swim?

 

LIFEGUARD.  The pool’s being sold.  It’s going to become a bar.

 

CONCERNED CITIZEN.  I can’t believe it!  All of this valuable property is being sold,  and artwork and historical treasures are being sold or thrown away.  What’s going on?  Where is the money going?  Why isn’t the news covering this?  What’s going to be gotten rid of next?

 

(Fade to black.  These words appear on the screen:

IF WE DON’T ACT NOW, MORE AND MORE OF MILWAUKEE’S PRICELESS TREASURES WILL BE GONE FOREVER.

 

SAVE THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM.  IF WE LOSE IT, WHO KNOWS WHAT WE’LL LOSE NEXT.)  

For more information, get in touch with Preserve MKE, please!

 

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindle edition.

Misconceptions and Realities about the Milwaukee Public Museum Move

Misconceptions and Realities about the Milwaukee Public Museum Move

 

I’m continuing to work with Preserve MKE to warn the city that many beloved exhibits at the Milwaukee Public Museum are at risk of being destroyed.  The planned move and destruction of the museum could be disastrous to the city’s culture and history, and there are a lot of misconceptions about what’s going on, so here is a list of misconceptions and realities about what’s happening:

 

FALSE: The entire Milwaukee Public Museum is moving to another location.

TRUE: The developing museum is too small to hold more than a tiny fraction of the existing exhibits. Many beloved exhibits may go into storage and never be seen again. Much of the new museum is composed of LED screens. Works of art and historical significance will be destroyed.

 

FALSE: The Milwaukee Public Museum leadership has been open about what’s going on with the move and the developing museum.

TRUE: There are a lot of unanswered questions about what’s going on, and the powers that be have not responded to many of our questions and concerns. We don’t know what’s happening to famous and beloved exhibits.

 

FALSE: The exhibits belong to the Milwaukee Public Museum and they can do what they want with them.

TRUE: The contents of the Milwaukee Public Museum belong to the county and the people who live here. Valuable assets and works of art may be lost without our permission. Shady changes in terminology have been imposed to justify a right to decide what happens to famous exhibits. Milwaukeeans have a right to know what’s happening to the county’s property.

 

FALSE: The developing museum will preserve Milwaukee’s history.

TRUE: The developing museum does not consider local history to be part of its focus, preferring to focus mainly on natural history. The Milwaukee Public Museum has traditionally employed experts in local history. Over the last few years, many of these positions have been eliminated. The most famous exhibit celebrating Milwaukee's history, The Streets of Old Milwaukee, will be destroyed and replaced with a very different exhibit that removes many critical aspects of the city's history.

 

FALSE: The existing museum is damaged beyond repair.

TRUE: There is strong evidence that it would have been cheaper to repair the existing museum than to build another one. There is no reason to tear down the existing structure.

 

For more information, get in touch with Preserve MKE, please!

 

 

–Chris Chan

 

 

 

Chris Chan’s book Sherlock Poems was published on June 30^th!  He is also the author of the CWA Dagger Long Listed The Autistic Sleuth, written with the professional guidance of his mother Dr. Patricia Meyer Chan, and he has also written the Agatha and Anthony-nominated book on the Columbo killers, Some of My Best Friends Are Murderers! He is the author of the Funderburke and Kaiming novels Ghosting My Friend and She Ruined Our Lives and Well-Behaved Children Seldom Make History, released by Level Best Books.  He is also the author of the comedic novels Sherlock’s Secretary and Nessie’s Nemesis, published by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2.  His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books.  His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there).  It is also available in a Kindleedition.