THE RICHMOND DECEPTION - full-length drama, a testament to survival

by Tom Erb

In winter 1864, Richmond's notorious Libby Prison holds over 1,000 Union officers in deadly conditions. When Pennsylvania schoolteacher-turned-Colonel Thomas Rose arrives, he refuses to surrender hope. Partnering with Kentucky engineer Major Hamilton, Rose begins planning the most audacious prison break in American history. Their salvation comes from Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Richmond spinster whose...

In winter 1864, Richmond's notorious Libby Prison holds over 1,000 Union officers in deadly conditions. When Pennsylvania schoolteacher-turned-Colonel Thomas Rose arrives, he refuses to surrender hope. Partnering with Kentucky engineer Major Hamilton, Rose begins planning the most audacious prison break in American history. Their salvation comes from Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Richmond spinster whose reputation as "Crazy Bet" - an eccentric old maid obsessed with cats and flowers - masks one of the Union's most sophisticated spy networks. Operating under Confederate noses, Van Lew has been feeding intelligence to Union forces while secretly aiding prisoners. As Rose's methodical mind, Hamilton's engineering expertise, and Van Lew's strategic brilliance converge, they forge a desperate alliance across enemy lines. Together, they plan a massive tunnel escape that will either free over 100 prisoners or see all three hanged as traitors. Racing against time and the growing suspicions of Confederate Captain Ross, this unlikely trio must navigate the deadly politics of wartime Richmond while literally digging their way to freedom. Based on the true story of the largest prison escape of the Civil War, The Richmond Deception explores the extraordinary courage of ordinary people who discover that the greatest victories often happen in darkness.

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THE RICHMOND DECEPTION - full-length drama, a testament to survival

Character Information

  • ELIZABETH VAN LEW:
    Wealthy Richmond spinster and Union spy in her 40s. Outwardly eccentric and harmless, inwardly brilliant
    and determined. Known as "Crazy Bet" to deflect suspicion from her sophisticated intelligence
    operations.
    40
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • COLONEL THOMAS E. ROSE
    Pennsylvania schoolteacher turned Union officer in his 30s. Intelligent, methodical leader who refuses to break despite harsh prison conditions. Transforms from captured prisoner to escape mastermind.
    30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MAJOR A.J. HAMILTON
    Kentucky homebuilder with engineering skills in his 30s. Practical and resourceful, he becomes Rose's key ally in planning and executing the tunnel escape. Initially suspicious, but grows into a committed partner.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • CAPTAIN ERASMUS ROSS
    The Confederate prison commandant was in his 40s. Ambitious and increasingly suspicious about security breaches at Libby Prison. Growing paranoid about Van Lew's activities.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MARY ELIZABETH BOWSER
    Van Lew’s former slave, now a paid servant and fellow spy in her 30s. Works in Jefferson Davis's household, gathering intelligence. Represents Van Lew's network of trusted operatives.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • LT. WILLIAM GIBSON
    Young Confederate guard in his 20s. Initially idealistic but growing disillusioned with the war's brutalities. Faces a moral crisis when he discovers the escape plan.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • PRIVATE SAMUEL WELLS
    Union prisoner from Ohio in his 20s. Long-term Libby prisoner representing the desperate masses of imprisoned soldiers. Shows effects of prolonged captivity.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • REVEREND ROBERT FORD
    Local Richmond minister in his 50s. Unknowingly aids Van Lew's spy network through his prison charity
    visits. Provides cover for Van Lew's intelligence activities.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man