The Man in the Locket: Truths and Lies at the Bergstrom Circus & Menagerie

by Kris Thompson

It's summertime, early 1900s and, off the east coast, the young daughter of a wealthy tycoon escapes her conniving guardians and prospective husband in search of the past and the father she can no longer remember. She has only one found clue: a locket with two photos. But her guardians are in league with the villainous would-be-groom and the three have dark purpose. Drawn to the Bergstrom Circus, she begins her...

It's summertime, early 1900s and, off the east coast, the young daughter of a wealthy tycoon escapes her conniving guardians and prospective husband in search of the past and the father she can no longer remember. She has only one found clue: a locket with two photos. But her guardians are in league with the villainous would-be-groom and the three have dark purpose. Drawn to the Bergstrom Circus, she begins her quest, joins the circus and finds love. But will she find her father? Will she escape her villainous fiancé? Will true love prevail?

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The Man in the Locket: Truths and Lies at the Bergstrom Circus & Menagerie

Character Information

Both Stephen Blessing and Brunhilda have short roles near the end of the play. Recommend they double as extra circus characters as the director sees fit.
  • LYDIA VOLDANO
    Sham Gypsy Fortune Teller who wants Flick only because she believes he’s to inherit circus. Fake gypsy lilt.
    Character Age
    20-30
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Eastern European
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • APOLLO
    Strongman who’s lost his love, confidence, and strength after his love, Brunhilda, left him for a Pennsylvania barber.
    Character Age
    20-60
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • CHESTER MEEKS
    Sad clown, older brother of Fester. Shorter than Fester.
    Character Age
    20-40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • FESTER MEEKS
    Happy clown, Chester’s younger, taller brother. Unable to speak and Pantomimes most of play.
    Character Age
    20-40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • MYRA SINCLAIR
    Archibald’s wife. In cahoots w/Malcolm. Smart. Scottish.
    Character Age
    50-60
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR
    Myra’s husband. Slow. In cahoots w/Malcolm. Scottish.
    Character Age
    50-60
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • SIR MALCOLM TENT
    Villain intent on acquiring the Blessing fortune. Former business associate of Stephan Blessing.
    Character Age
    40-50
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • STEPHAN BLESSING
    Tycoon, devoted father to Maggie. Friend and partner to Charles.
    Character Age
    51
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • MAGGIE BLESSING
    Heroine daughter of Stephan Blessing. Does not know who she is or who her father is.
    Character Age
    18
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • BRUNHILDA
    Bearded Woman in love with Apollo.
    Character Age
    20-40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • FLICK
    Hero. Charles’ right hand. Smart, confident, handsome. Carries a bat. Occasionally poses as female character Olga Gregario.
    Character Age
    20-30
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • CHARLES BERGSTROM
    Ringmaster. Gruff, kind. Friend to Stephan.
    Character Age
    40-50
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • CATALINA DALCA
    Russian-Romanian Bareback Rider teacher. Bad English. Russian lilt and occasional simple-to-learn Russian phrases.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Way Off Broadway Community Players, Year 2022
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Mckinney Repertory Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Theatre Suburbia, Year 2017

Awards

  • National Playwriting Contest
    Theatre Suburbia
    Winner
    2017