"I have been closely following the shows at Cookeville’s Backdoor Playhouse (BDPH) for 15 years, and I may have just witnessed their best production ever."
-Andrew William Smith,
Teacher on the Radio
link to full review
Years after interviewing notorious killer John Wayne Gacy, Dr. Judy Matthewson is still haunted by the case. She’s spent her career studying the roots of violence and abuse in the human brain- years of exploring the depths of human depravity, scientifically detached. But to her, John’s story is different- an abyss she can’t cross. The Doctor, a survivor of abuse herself, believes this old case still has secrets and answers hidden in the wreckage.
She’s convinced she missed something during those first interviews and goes back to her time with John. His story brings up visions of his childhood, adult life, murders, and arrest, blurring the lines between reality and her own mind. John is a family man, community leader, outgoing neighbor, and part-time clown who hosts elaborate yard parties. He’s also a troubled and violent criminal who claims to have a multiple personality disorder. Answers don’t come easy.
As the Doctor digs deeper, exposure to John’s dark and twisted tale forces her to face ghosts from her own past. Crawlspace embarks on a mind-bending odyssey through the shadowy depths of the human mind, exploring the enigmatic edges of sanity, the risks of true crime obsession, and the lasting legacies of abuse.
The show is in two acts. It is designed for a minimum casting of 18 performers (13 main roles/ five supporting) or with full casting of 22 performers (13 main/ 9 supporting). For smaller companies, an ensemble version is available that utilizes a special doubling scheme, requiring as few as 14 actors. The music is orchestrated for piano, keyboard (synth), guitar, cello, bass, drum set, and auxiliary percussion. Fully produced rehearsal/performance tracks are also available.
The running time is 135 minutes.
Crawlspace is based on the story of a convicted serial killer. Although drawn from his own words and the public record of his life and crimes, it is a work of historical fiction. Certain names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. Fictional characters have been added, and liberties have been taken to differentiate this work from true-life events.
Crawlspace was premiered on November 3, 2022 by the Tech Players of Tennessee Tech University under the direction of Mark H. Creter. The musical was further developed throughout 2023 with the assistance of the Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (Garry Posey, director/ John Thomas McCecil, musical director), culminating in the show's second full production. It will receive its international premiere in November 2025 by Auckland Music Theatre in New Zealand.
Crawlspace: A True Crime Musical
Ⓒ 2020 Glickstein & Spraggins
all rights reserved- including public performance.