When performer Walker Vreeland got a job as a singer for Norwegian Cruise Lines in 2003, he could never have imagined the voyage that lay ahead. Boarding the Bermuda-bound ship would be the beginning of a mental breakdown so severe, he would wake up months later in 1 of the 101 beds at Johns Hopkins Hospital's Mood Disorder Psychiatric Ward. FROM SHIP TO SHAPE is a funny and gut-wrenching autobiographical monologue about one young man’s struggle with mental illness in today’s world. It's about losing your mind while chasing your dreams, the journey in pursuit of healing, and how a cruise ship can push you over the edge.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT
FROM SHIP TO SHAPE
"The funny and wrenching account of Vreeland's personal struggle with mental illness, in which sanity surfaces in unlikely places."
-Newsday
"Hilariously presented with true grit and humility."
-Hamptons.com
“He connected with the audience in a powerful way... at times you could hear a pin drop. At other moments, Vreeland’s wry, dark humor made people laugh out loud. Walker Vreeland is a natural born storyteller.”
-The Montauk Sun
"…a journey of courage, heart and incredible spirit. I laughed hard, cried harder. He is brilliant.
Don't miss this show.”
-Xanthe Elbrick, Tony Award nominated actress
“Walker Vreeland knocked this outta the park. FROM SHIP TO SHAPE is a powerful and tender view of one man’s emotional journey. Here’s to survival.”
-Bonnie Grice, WLNG Radio
"Mr. Vreeland's openness and raw honesty within FROM SHIP TO SHAPE brings his audience one step closer to a world free of the stigma surrounding mental illness. The subject matter is universal."
-Southampton Press
PRINT press
Theatre Beyond Broadway Interview with Walker Vreeland, 2017
Spotlight on Walker Vreeland, Theater in the Now, 2017
United Solo "Bestseller" FROM SHIP TO SHAPE is a Journey Worth Taking, Local Theatre NY, 2017
Walker Vreeland's FROM SHIP TO SHAPE Explores Mental Illness, Healing, Dan's Papers, 2016
Jules Feiffer Musical to Part of New Works Festival at Bay Street, Newsday, 2016
Bay Street Theater New Works Festival Presents Shows in Development, The Southampton Press, 2016
Vreeland Brings FROM SHIP TO SHAPE to Bay Street Theater, The Sag Harbor Express, 2015
Walker Vreeland: Boy Interrupted, The East Hampton Star, 2011
Spring Has Arrived, Now Get Out There and Enjoy, Hamptons.com, 2010
From Ship to Shape to Bay Street, The Independent, 2019
A Comedy About A Path To Hell, The East Hampton Star, 2019
Vreeland Stays In Touch With His Past Self- Breakdown and All, The Sag Harbor Express, 2019
Walker Vreeland's Incredible Journey, The Montauk Sun, 2019
Sarasolo festival Refocuses with 16 One Person Shows, The Herald Tribune, 2018
FROM SHIP TO SHAPE Makes New York Premiere at United Solo, broadwayworld.com, 2017
Radio & Podcast Appearances
WHAT THE AUDIENCE IS SAYING
”Great job Booboo.” -Evan (boyfriend)
“This extraordinary performance knocked us out.”
-Anne
“Simply over the top amazing, funny, tragic, brilliant. Made me laugh and cry and smile. Blew me away.”
-Michelle
“The most powerful show I have ever seen (3x)!”
-Vicki
“Well written and powerful. I laughed, I cried, ran the full gamut of emotions.”
-Bethany
“In awe of his storytelling ability, sense of humor, total honesty, and keen timing.”
-Debbie
“[FROM SHIP TO SHAPE] destroyed me. A marvel. The way you embodied such a dangerous place for us all was a generous gift that I couldn’t speak to. You gave us all so much tonight.”
-Minerva
“A very powerful experience. Funny, scary, vulnerable.”
-Brian
“Thank you for having the courage to battle the stigmas that surround mental illness.”
-Mindy
“Poignant and funny. Loved FROM SHIP TO SHAPE.”
-Ellen
“Thank you for telling your story and sharing all your beauty and life pain. It is through the pain you've learned so much expression and ability to touch upon the electrical impulses of life's journey.. A deep price indeed. I enjoyed experiencing your gift...even with a few tears that fell from my own eyelashes.”
-Lanka
“Amazing...brave...courageous. I came with my son and I cried. It was very moving. Thank you for your performance and for your courage.”
-Eleni
“[Walker Vreeland is] a courageous humorous performer who cuts right to the bone. REALLY BRAVE.”
-Taylor
“Loved it even more than the last time I saw it!”
-Betsy
“An incredible piece from the heart.”
-Joanne
“Hilarious and moving. Bravo!!”-Tracy
“Walker who needs to dance? Thanks for letting us into your world.”
-David
“Thank you for shedding light on mental illness and making us laugh our asses off at the same time.”
-Marisella
“Amazing. Entertaining and thought provoking.”
-Leanne
“Good Lord and praise be to glory! That was an amazing show.”
-Suzie
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