Parlor Tricks

by Charlotte Lang-Bush

Theydies and Gentlethems, we summon you to our Parlor. Witness as the Mystic Thornes peer beyond the veil of death and prove that sometimes, the most terrifying hauntings are those committed by the patriarchy.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Thorne sisters are trying to eke out a living on their own by conning their sleepy New York town into Spiritualism. When their youngest sister makes a sinister claim...

Theydies and Gentlethems, we summon you to our Parlor. Witness as the Mystic Thornes peer beyond the veil of death and prove that sometimes, the most terrifying hauntings are those committed by the patriarchy.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Thorne sisters are trying to eke out a living on their own by conning their sleepy New York town into Spiritualism. When their youngest sister makes a sinister claim about her relationship with the spirits, the elder sisters find their commitment to "reality" shaken. And who is the mysterious woman who visits their home and makes its walls scream?

"Parlor Tricks" is a clarion call for turnt seers, happy queers, and healing tears, harnessing horror for radical femme+ joy. Join us, and you may become enlightened, whether you wish it, or not.

CW: Assault, Death, Trauma, Violence

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Parlor Tricks

Recommended by

  • Jen Browne: Parlor Tricks by Charlotte Lang-Bush
    “

    I really enjoyed reading this play. The dialog is quick, buzzy, and fun. I appreciate the modern language in this 19th century setting. Lots of room for some cool theatre magic too with the horror and fantasy elements.

    I really enjoyed reading this play. The dialog is quick, buzzy, and fun. I appreciate the modern language in this 19th century setting. Lots of room for some cool theatre magic too with the horror and fantasy elements.

    ”

Character Information

  • Margaret Thorne
    Mid-Thirties, Queer AF on the DL. The eldest sister, she's also the practical thinker, moneymaker, and impresario of the group; Female Barnum type. Wry smiles and repressed rage.
    Mid Thirties
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Lillian Thorne
    Middle sister, over-the-top in virtually every regard. She has a flair for the dramatic, and is constantly looking for a way to be less bored. She's the idea girl.
    Mid-to-late 20s
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ida Thorne
    Late-teens-to-early-twenties. The youngest sister, and kind of a cypher. She's grown up in her sisters' shadows, and is still trying to figure out who she actually is without them.
    Late Teens to Early 20s
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Alice Goldman
    Early-to-Mid-thirties. Margaret's undercover girlfriend and partner in cons. A little rough around the edges, but smarter than she lets on. Not many people’s cup of tea, and proud of it. Socialist. Labor Organizer. Jewish, and what’s it to ya?
    Early to mid-thirties
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Cora Freeman
    Mid-twenties-to-mid-thirties woman of color. Visibly pregnant. Smart, independent, and snappishly proud. Bad shit has happened to her. She is resilient, and making sense of it, but it's not done yet.
    Mid 20s to Mid 30s
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Clarence Nelson
    Mid-to-late 20s man of color. Attractive, well-read, and dorkily enthusiastic. A big-city boy coming to be the new Alienist in this small town that’s definitely not ready for him.
    Mid-to-late 20s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Edgar Thorne
    Sixties or older. The sisters' father, a former paper-mill owner. Died two years before the play's actions started. Really jocular.
    60s+
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Alton Matthews
    Late-twenties to mid-thirties, Revival Preacher. Good-looking, well-educated, charismatic, and grandiose. Used to having the ear of many.
    late 20s to mid thirties
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Self-Produced, South Oxford St. Space, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, All Out Arts' Fresh Fruit Festival, 2019

Awards

  • Fruities for Outstanding Set and Costume Design, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, and Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play for two different artists
    All Out Arts' Board of Directors
    Winner
    2019