MY SHOW

i wrote a show about hope.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

FACT: My mother committed a slow suicide. She was never properly diagnosed and would end up addicted to pain killers for all the pain inside her. Have you heard the expression, "Secrets can kill?"

I wrote a show about deep love, forgiveness, and letting go of shame.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

FACT: My mother hid a lot from me growing up with an immense amount of shame. Traumatic events can trigger manic/depressive episodes, as well as depression and anxiety. Mom's death, ongoing therapy, my diagnosis and time to heal contributed to my forgiveness of her actions and mental state.

Our show is dedicated to her love for me and mine for her.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

FACT: Every human being is going through something. We are not in this alone. There is help out there and there is still a good life to be had after a diagnosis. Human beings with bipolar disorder are not crazy. In fact, we have a lot to contribute to the arts and to science. We are in good company.

The goal: a stable life filled with passion and creativity, to be a person in society people can count on.

READING AT RIPLEY GRIER 1ST DRAFT 2.19.22

"It's funny, but ever since I was young, people used to ask me, "Chryssie, what are you on?!" and I would say, "Life, people, you!"

Phone call from Italy:

"Ciao, Momma, Buon Giorno! Um, Momma, I just got an email from Charles...."

Silence.

"What did he say?"

"Umm, he said that....

From Left to Right:

Music Director: Nick Wilders

Producer: Kirsten Wrinkle

Director: Bryan Knowlton

Mentor: Elaine Petricoff

(All continuing with proj

After the first staged reading with only three in the audience, plus filmmaker, Blake Zelesinikar with BZ FILMS.

The end of our reading with wonderful feedback to keep us going. Photos were captured by Joy Kilpatrick who is directing the film version.

I wouldn't be doing this show without the love and financial support from the iconic, Kirsten Wrinkle. After the reading, in tears, "I feel hope."

"in my own little corner" is a ...

A motivational cabaret benefit for artists and others who can't afford psychiatric and medicinal care occurring on November 5th, 2022 at Riverside Theatre in NYC at 7pm.

*All proceeds of the live show ticket sales will go the Entertainment Community Fund

(TICKETS ON SALE IN SEPTEMBER)

At the age of 38, I was shockingly diagnosed with bipolar two disorder and over the past four years, I have been slowly coming to terms with my diagnosis. Some years prior, my mom died at the age of 66 from a slow suicide. Her death certificate read, "Failure to Thrive." Since her passing and my diagnosis, I decided to use my skills as a professional storyteller to write a show about our lives with mental illness.

Now, more than ever, I felt it was time to share with my fellow humanity. As the show unfolded in my head, on the page and into our first reading workshop, it developed into more of a motivational cabaret. I titled it "In My Own Little Corner" as I have as always felt a little odd and in my own little world, but never understood why. Perhaps, some of you can relate? The title is also the name of the song that I used to land my Broadway Debut, A CHORUS LINE and is layered within the show with several meanings close to home.

"In My Own Little Corner" has been described as "touching, heartfelt, hopeful, and educational." Through song and story, and a bit of dancing, I share about my mother's death, my career and stories of my ups and downs, along with the huge grasp mental illness has played in both my mom's and my life. I explore how it is possible to get proper help, medicine, and tools to find clarity in one's life with bipolar disorder or any mental illness.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This show is for those who feel alone and in the dark with regards to their own mental health, as well as their loved ones who may not understand what someone is going through and yearns to know more. May my mother's and my story be a beacon of hope for people in need, struggling with mental illness.

PLEASE NOTE: I am fully aware I am not a clinical professional, but only here to stand in my truth, not in shame, but to give hope that there is life after diagnosis and it doesn't have to be scary.

We know this story must continue to be told so that others see, hear and feel there is hope for a balanced life with mental illness. Through the magic of filmmaking, we want to create a story that lives beyond November 5th, 2022.

THE HOPE: To provide resources and hope for others who may feel in the dark when it comes to helping their brain and who suffer from mood disorders, or any other mental illness.

THE GOALS:

1. To film the show live on November 5th, 2022, so that it may be purchased and live on streaming services, world wide.

2. Serve as a tour to colleges and high schools, including a talkback, spreading awareness.

3. Be a limited engagement in any theatre across the globe.

Director: Bryan Knowlton, Music Director: Nick Wilders, Film Director: Joy Kilpatrick, Producer: Kirsten Wrinkle, Dramaturge: Ken Cerniglia and Mentor: Elaine Petricoff. Footage by BZ Films.

i wrote a show about hope.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about deep love, forgiveness, and letting go of shame.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

FROM THE SHOW...

READING AT RIPLEY GRIER 1ST DRAFT 2.19.22

"in my own little corner" is a ...

the venue: riverside theatre, Saturday, November 5th 2022.

AUTHORS WHO HAVE INSPIRED IMOLC, THE SHOW: eLLEN FORNEY & kAY REDFIELD JAMISON

HOW'S YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION!

IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER - My Journey with Bipolar Disorder

SUBSCRIBE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHECKINS FROM ME TO YOU!

Contact the "imolc" team BELOW

"IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER" By: Chryssie Whitehead

Director: Bryan Knowlton, Music Director: Nick Wilders, Film Director: Joy Kilpatrick, Producer: Kirsten Wrinkle, Dramaturge: Ken Cerniglia and Mentor: Elaine Petricoff. Footage by BZ Films.

i wrote a show about hope.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about deep love, forgiveness, and letting go of shame.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

I wrote a show about my mother's death & both our stories with mental illness.

I wrote a show to help artists. I wrote a show to help humanity.

FROM THE SHOW...

READING AT RIPLEY GRIER 1ST DRAFT 2.19.22

"in my own little corner" is a ...

the venue: riverside theatre, Saturday, November 5th 2022.

AUTHORS WHO HAVE INSPIRED IMOLC, THE SHOW: eLLEN FORNEY & kAY REDFIELD JAMISON

HOW'S YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION!

IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER - My Journey with Bipolar Disorder

SUBSCRIBE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHECKINS FROM ME TO YOU!

Connect With Us

Contact the "imolc" team BELOW

"IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER" By: Chryssie Whitehead