What I liked
I learned about this show from a random post on facebook to another friend. I did not know the actress, or about the play..Clicked over to Hollywood Fringe from her link, saw other reviews, and thought, dang it! I want to see this. Loved the poster too.. ultimately misleading, but a fun poster, got me interested! Went by myself, and was so entertained while getting well informed about Scientology. I mean, look, I saw the movie “Going Clear,”, so I was familiar with the craziness, but also so curious as to what kind of person would get involved and what would make them get out eventually.
Enough about story.. the real magic of this show is Cathy Schenkelberg, the writer, actress, and person who lived this. She is incredibly talented, engrossing, creative, funny, quirky, honest, open, willing to expose her faults, failures and growth. She jumps so fluidly from one story to the next with so much energy, playing different characters (mostly herself in different times of her life). Plus you get a taste of her singing dancing (movement) and vocal abilities. You have no time to get bored. Instead, I found myself laughing out loud, caring about her, wanting to learn more, leaning forward in my seat as I got more engrossed and attached. I do not relate in anyway to committing to a “religion” or addiction.. so this wasn’t a personal connection for me with her experience (accept the struggles of being an actress), but I enjoyed it totally, and her ability to express all her emotions.. I dug her as an actress and human being not afraid to admit her failings and try to save other people from what she went through! See it before it leaves town.. or see it in another city.. as it’s going on to Chicago and other cities.
What I didn't like
The only thing I can complain about? (Nothing to do with the performance.) The seats in the theater. Wood bleacher seating. Please offer pillows, cushions, anything! For rent until you can afford to keep them there forever! Got very uncomfortable fast. At the end, I noticed a neighbor pick up her pillow she brought from home, and other audience members commented on how smart she was to bring that.
Oh! and the parking! First time to Hollywood Fringe Festival and I would recommend.. UBER! I drove around for at least 1/2 hour looking for parking. Stressful. Made it to theater with 3 minutes to spare.
My overall impression
Brilliant, honest, creative true-life story telling by the seriously funny and talented actress Cathy Schenkelberg. Just see it! Live the experience of being part of Scientology, without having to actually experience it yourself. She deserves to be seen and you won’t be sorry.
