Rogue Theater presents one-woman show about Scientology

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

STURGEON BAY - Former Church of Scientology member Cathy Schenkelberg performs her solo show about her experience, "Squeeze My Cans," four times this week on Rogue Theater's stage.

Have you ever wondered if Bozo was a suppressive person? Have you ever considered what it might be like to audition to be Tom Cruise's girlfriend? What would you do if the carrot of spiritual freedom was dangled in front of you, waiting to be seized?

Schenkelberg decided to chase it and what she found was Scientology, where she spent most of her young adult life. After years of studying and searching, she found herself blowing alien life forms off her body, farther than ever from who she had hoped to be.

Now, Schenkelberg returns to share that hilarious and horrifying story in this no-holds-barred cautionary tale of how she survived not just those 14 years as a member but another 5 years to leave Scientology behind in the face of harassing phone calls, midnight knocks on her door by “outreach” staffers, an expensive custody battle and constant paranoia about the monitoring of her every move..

Directing the show is Shirley Anderson with sound and projection design by Victoria Deiorio.

In presenting this cautionary tale, Schenkelberg and Anderson hope to reach anyone who feels lost, desperate and alone, searching for answers to life’s problems, anyone who has lost a loved one to a damaging cult, and anyone who has already given up their identity, community and life savings to such organizations.

Cathy Schenkelberg presents "Squeeze My Cans" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rogue Theater's space in Jaycee Clubhouse, 340 Jaycee Court, Sturgeon Bay. The Thursday show is a pay-what-you-can preview with proceeds benefiting HELP of Door County; tickets to the other shows are $20 for adults, $10 ages 14-18. For more information, call 920-818-0816 or go to www.facebook.com/roguetheater.