Squeeze My Cans at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Told with masterful fluidity and hilarious jabs, this one-woman show directed by Shirley Anderson does more than debunk L. Ron Hubbard's creation; Schenkelberg puts you in her skin and lets you experience for yourself how Scientology devours money (in Schenkelberg's case, nearly a million dollars) and lives. Brandon Baruch is behind the subtle lighting design, Victoria Deiorio the sound and projections."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This piece is one which must be very difficult to perform; it is one thing for an actor to imitate someone else reliving their worst mistakes for an audience, it is quite another to relive one’s own. Schenkelberg has the assistance of a director, Shirley Anderson, who keeps her story poignant when it needs to be, and of a design by Brandon Baruch and Victorio Deiorio which fills up the Greenhouse’s empty stage with evocative, and sometimes humorous, lighting effects and projections. But the real treat here is Schenkelberg herself. After seeing how far into Scientology she got, it’s a relief to know that she’s here, performing for us now."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Back by popular demand, Cathy Schenkelberg’s Squeeze My Cans is sure to once again be a hit in the Chicago Theatre scene. Directed by Shirley Anderson, Squeeze My Cans takes audiences into the world of scientology as Cathy shares her real-life account of her time spent as a Scientologist. Following its popularity in last summer’s Solo Celebration! Series, Greenhouse Theater Center has chosen to bring this eccentric exploration of generally uncharted territory back for a full run. Be prepared to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Cathy through the best and absolute worst moments of her life thus far."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...In a solo performance, voiceover artist and actor Cathy Schenkelberg recounts her time in Scientology, giving us a play-by-play of her progression through the courses, with a running counter of the cash laid out to reach “clear” and beyond."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Under the tight and accessible direction of Shirley Anderson, Schenkelberg wrote and performs her own Midwestern angle of how the “alien theology” uses seduction and shaming to recruit members and take as much of their money as possible. The simple set of a stool, a chair and an overhead interrogation light is dominated by a backdrop featuring projections that include Schenkelberg’s growing tally of hundreds of thousands of dollars for required “clearings” and courses over 20 years."

Picture This Post - Recommended

"...Schenkelberg asks this question of her audience, much as I am sure she has asked herself over the years. Her story is one of bravery and temptation - the Church of Scientology promised her answers, and she kept returning to the interrogation room, giving up her money in order to find them. Sharing a story requires courage, and Schenkelberg takes a risk in sharing her uncensored journey. Based on the applause she received at the end of the production, it certainly seems that the audience is thankful for that bravery."