What if someone walked into surgery and awoke quadriplegic never having been warned of this risk? What if they not only survived but also endured the horrors of this disability with hope and humor? What if they returned to school, earned a masters degree in theater and then a law degree and got married? And then had a son and became widowed. What if they wrote a funny and tearful book about it? What if they wrote a play, too.
Someone did. That someone is Brian Shaughnessy. Not only is Brian an individual with a disability – quadriplegia – he is also an attorney, actor, director, writer, husband, father, entrepreneur and quite possibly the funniest man on four wheels. The Squeaky Wheel SQUEAKS!, is his brutally honest story of living life from an electric wheelchair. The story focuses on his challenges and accomplishments without sentimental back-patting. The audience will be laughing through the tears.
Brian’s friend, collaborator and former teacher Mark Medoff, Oscar nominee and Tony award winning author of Children of a Lesser God, had this to say about the book from which the play is taken.
“Brian Shaughnessy tells his story of suffering and survival with extraordinary humor and compassion. Fate dealt him what might seem an impossible life. His journey is harrowing, horrifying, and finally inspirational. His dignity, his humor, his life have informed my own. I am indebted to him for all he is. ”
Brian awoke from surgery at the age of 24 paralyzed from the neck down. He was not told of this possible outcome and got a wheelchair. Nonetheless he returned to school, earned a BA in Theater and English, then a Master’s degree in Theater in Hawaii and went into law school (where those acting classes paid off!). Brian is now a practicing attorney in Honolulu. The book tells this story of love, guts and humor.
Brian earned the title of, “Second Funniest Person in the Twin Cities” at Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis and performs his one-person show, “The Squeaky Wheel SQUEAKS!, around the US at various Fringe Theater Festivals where he will offer his book and other cool “Squeaky” products.
The Squeaky Wheel SQUEAKS!, goes on the road this summer. Catch him at the following Fringe Festivals:
- July 8-25: Capital Fringe Festival (Washington, DC.)
- July 25-Aug. 1: Kansas City (Missouri Fringe Festival)
- Aug. 5-15: Minnesota Fringe Festival (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
