%20(Facebook%20Cover).png)
BITh
(Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts)
a Staged Reading
by John Van Slyke
About BITh
BITh (Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts) is a play for five adults of varying ages and genders. The audience is invited into Dee's home while Dee and three intrusive thoughts detail the physical, mental and emotional challenges of OCD and the resulting anxiety. As Dee's inner life tangles with the external, Dee fears for the relationship with their neighbor, O.
Weaving heady issues with playful language, BITh uses music, storytelling, shadow puppetry, and lip-syncing to navigate Dee's changing world and mind--and a battle with something known as The Shadowman. BITh is intended for preteen-adult audiences.
​
​
This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running March 1 – June 30, 2023, presented by the Ten Chimneys Foundation. To learn more visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com.
Show Information
The Staged Reading of BITh (Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts), written by John Van Slyke, will occur on April 22nd, 2023 at 3 PM Central Time at the Bradley Symphony Center in Milwaukee.
Tickets are currently sold out due to the limited size of the performance space. Please email us at pinkumbrellatheater@gmail.com if you are still interested in tickets as some may open up.​
Meet the Cast and Crew!
Playwright: John Van Slyke
Directors: Mitch Bultman & Giana Blazquez-Bultman
Dee: Kara Penrose
Kara is excited to be performing with Pink Umbrella for the first time. Favorite acting roles have included Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET, Cecily in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and Lynn in RED HERRING. Most recently Kara has been busy offstage as a fight director for Waukesha Civic Theatre, Pewaukee High School, and Concordia University.
Intrusive Thought 1: Haley Ebinal
Haley Ebinal is a Milwaukee-based actor and musician who believes empathetic, community-building storytelling is the most effective remedy against isolation, harmful assumptions, and disappearing histories. Recent credits: Francine, THE TOTALITARIANS (Constructivists); Juliet, ROMEO AND JULIET (Green Bay’s Shakespeare in the Park); Hermia, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Voices Found Repertory); Madge Kendal, THE ELEPHANT MAN (Voices Found Repertory); Emilie, THE MOORS (Isadoora Theater). She has also performed with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (chamber violinist, Resch Center), Michael Bublé (violinist, Fiserv Forum), and Skylight Music Theatre (actor-singer-violinist, 2021 Season Announcement). She is grateful and excited to be a part of telling this story with Pink Umbrella Theater! IG: @HaleyEbinal, www.haleyebinal.com.
O: Alayna Perry
Alayna is exciting to be working with Pink Umbrella Theater on BITh as part of World Premiere Wisconsin! She was last seen at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's Youth Playwright Festival. Recent credits include THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL, RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER (First Stage); THE TEMEST, THE THREE MUSKETEERS: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC (Door Shakespeare); HAMLET, THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, and THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (UW-Milwaukee). She has trained with Shakespeare & Company and has a BFA in Acting from UW-Milwaukee.
Intrusive Thought 2: Clayton Mortl
Clayton Mortl (he/him) is an autistic actor who lives and works in the Milwaukee area. He has appeared in "Shine!", as Pinot, and "Bigger Top", as Boom, with Pink Umbrella Theater Company. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Intrusive Thought 3: Nina Ceccato
I been involved with Pink Umbrella for a few years now. This is my first show! I couldn't feel more thrilled and blessed from God!! I always wanted to be an actress and now at 29 I'm finally getting to my destination. I already signed up for another audition. Nothing can stop me now. I want to thank all my Pink Umbrella family. I hope you enjoy our show!
Stage Directions: Andy Moe
Andrew is a full time dad with a passion for creative endeavors. He spends most days cleaning a trail of baby debris like Sisyphus with a naptime. He's just happy to be
out of the house.
Event Resources
World Premiere Wisconsin Digital Passport
Information & Instructions
WPW launched a free, mobile-exclusive digital pass that allows you to check-in at theaters, redeem optional discounts, and earn points for rewards and swag all while supporting amazing local theater!!
Download Instructions
Head to the WPW website and sign-up for a passport using an email and phone number. You will receive a link to your passport.
Check-In Instructions
When you arrive at the Bradley Symphony Center for BIT(h), open your Digital Passport. Simply click "Check-In" when prompted, or enter Pink Umbrella's unique pin: 0918