Writer-performer Cathy Schenkelberg spent most of her young adult life entangled in Scientology. After leaving the controversial church, she decided to share her story in "Squeeze My Cans," a no-holds-barred cautionary tale of how she survived what she calls "America's foremost intergalactic theology."
Her one-woman show stops at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St., for three performances Friday-Sunday, Nov. 16-18.
Hilarious and heartbreaking, "Squeeze My Cans" takes audiences on Schenkelberg's journey as a young woman looking for her place and purpose in the world, and comes out two decades later about a million dollars poorer. It's a funny, intimate and shocking story about the power of survival through persistence and humor.
Schenkelberg says she was "ensnared in the Scientology cult" for 14 years. It took another five years to leave it behind.
She premiered her one-woman show in Chicago in 2016 and has gone on to perform it throughout the U.S. and overseas. By presenting it, she hopes to reach anyone who feels lost, desperate and alone, she says. Also, anyone searching for answers to life's problems, who has lost a loved one to a cult or given up their identity and life savings to organizations like Scientology.
"Squeeze My Cans" is recommended for ages 14 and up due to sexual content.
Performances are at 8 p.m Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $20. Tickets are available at the CTC box office at 423-267-8534 or online at TheatreCentre.com.