Press release
Mammoth Lakes, Calif. – Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre (MLRT) and Artistic Director Shira Dubrovner announce the special limited engagement of “Squeeze My Cans.”
This entertaining, engaging and enlightening story plays at the Edison Theatre for one weekend only,Jan. 14 and 15. The Church of Scientology had actress Cathy Schenkelberg for 14 years of her young, adult life.
It took another five years for her to escape in the face of harassing phone calls, midnightknocks on her door by “outreach” staffers, an expensive custody battle, and social rejection. In her original solo show, Schenkelberg shares a glimpse behind the velvet curtain of this strangely hilarious and unbelievably horrifying story of loss, isolation, manipulation, and the relentless power of survival through persistence and humor.
This show is more than an audition to be Tom Cruise’s girlfriend; it is a trip down a volcanic rabbit hole where the carrot labeled “spiritual freedom” eerily transformed into a bit of an alien concept. “I’m lucky to be here and healthy,” Schenkelberg said. Her introduction to the cult was innocent enough. “Many of the people who went as far as I did in the Church, lost everything: family, friends, homes, bank accounts, identities and their actual lives.”
From the third grade Schenkelberg loved performing and sang at clubs, on cruise ships, and on stages all over Chicago. What found success in voice-over work with campaigns for Sears, Kohl’s, Applebee’s, SC Johnson, and feminine hygiene ads. In recent years she’s played Madame Thenardier in Les Miz; Violet/Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life; and Sue Ellen in Honky Tonk Angels at Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, where Dubrovner first saw her perform.
“I was so impressed with Cathy’s acting,” Dubrovner said, “that when she approached me about this show, I accepted it sight unseen as I know what a terrific performer she is.”
The Chicago Reader said, “Her brutally honest story comes through loud and clear” and Splash Magazine said, “Extremely impressive feat; this production is highly recommended.”
Tickets are available online at www.MammothLakesRepertoryTheatre.org for $20 general admission, $18 for seniors and students, or $22 at the door (sorry, no discounts). This production is suitable for children ages 13 and above.
For more information about the season visit the theatre’s website at MammothLakesRepertoryTheatre.org.
FACT SHEET:
WHAT: SQUEEZE MY CANS
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 15 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Edison Theatre; 100 College Parkway
COST: $20/$18 ($22 at the door—no exceptions)
BUY TICKETS: www.MammothLakesRepertoryTheatre.org
The Mammoth Lakes Foundation offers free education (books and tuition) to any Mono County resident and/or high school graduate who pursues an AA degree at Cerro Coso Community College and provides year-round theatre programming at Edison Theatre. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to the theatre or to the Foundation, please contact Shira Dubrovner at 760.934.6592, the Foundation office at 760.934.3781 or visit MammothLakesFoundation.org. Our nonprofit work is only possible through your generosity.
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