a musical
A New Musical • A Psychological Reckoning • A Cosmic Mystery
True Crime Transformed • Genres Blurred • Expectations Unsettled
"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
A haunting, mind-bending exploration of memory, trauma, and identity, where the line between doctor
and subject vanishes and the past refuses to stay buried.
A descent into the void, where the search for light may be the only hope for healing.
Two Acts • 135 Minutes
Cast: 18–22 performers (12-actor Ensemble Edition available)
Orchestration: Piano, Keyboard (Synth), Guitar, Cello, Bass, Drums & Auxiliary Percussion
Fully Produced Rehearsal & Performance Tracks Available
Crawlspace is partly 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 individuals' privacy. Fictional characters have been added, and liberties have been taken that differentiate this work from the true-life events.
Crawlspace 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 Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (Garry Posey, director/ John Thomas McCecil, musical director), culminating in the show's second full production. Crawlspace is licensed in the U.S. by Heighten Theatricals, LLC and internationally by Broadway DNA.