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.
    20-30
    Eastern European
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • APOLLO
    Strongman who’s lost his love, confidence, and strength after his love, Brunhilda, left him for a Pennsylvania barber.
    20-60
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • CHESTER MEEKS
    Sad clown, older brother of Fester. Shorter than Fester.
    20-40
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • FESTER MEEKS
    Happy clown, Chester’s younger, taller brother. Unable to speak and Pantomimes most of play.
    20-40
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • MYRA SINCLAIR
    Archibald’s wife. In cahoots w/Malcolm. Smart. Scottish.
    50-60
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR
    Myra’s husband. Slow. In cahoots w/Malcolm. Scottish.
    50-60
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • SIR MALCOLM TENT
    Villain intent on acquiring the Blessing fortune. Former business associate of Stephan Blessing.
    40-50
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • STEPHAN BLESSING
    Tycoon, devoted father to Maggie. Friend and partner to Charles.
    51
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • MAGGIE BLESSING
    Heroine daughter of Stephan Blessing. Does not know who she is or who her father is.
    18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • BRUNHILDA
    Bearded Woman in love with Apollo.
    20-40
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • FLICK
    Hero. Charles’ right hand. Smart, confident, handsome. Carries a bat. Occasionally poses as female character Olga Gregario.
    20-30
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • CHARLES BERGSTROM
    Ringmaster. Gruff, kind. Friend to Stephan.
    40-50
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • CATALINA DALCA
    Russian-Romanian Bareback Rider teacher. Bad English. Russian lilt and occasional simple-to-learn Russian phrases.
    30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

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

Awards

  • National Playwriting Contest
    Theatre Suburbia
    Winner
    2017