Bright Room

Bright Room explores the life of Rose Mackenberg, Harry Houdini's chief investigator into the paranormal in the 1920's. Rose made a career out of assisting Houdini to expose the wave of fake spiritualists and mediums who deceived grieving families hoping to speak to their deceased relatives. Rose and Harry’s friendship and partnership arises from a shared desire to understand life, death, and what comes after. Through the connections she makes, Rose brings light into the dark rooms of her soul.

Bright Room
Download the Script

The Characters

Cast of Characters (several may be doubled)

  • Rose Mackenberg, an American investigator of fraudulent psychic mediums

  • Matthew Steinem, lawyer and managing partner of Steinem and Sons, Attorneys-at-Law

  • Jack Daudet, owner of Daudet Investigations

  • Calumet/Brother, A supposed medium who presents himself as a leader in the Sioux Nation / His twin brother.

  • Servant, Calumet’s native servant.

  • Clark Gerrold, a grieving New York banker.

  • Harry Houdini, a Hungarian-American magician specializing in escapes and stunts, and notorious spiritualist-debunker

  • Bess Houdini, Harry’s wife, business partner and stage assistant

  • Signora Benedetti, an Italian Spiritualist

  • Rev. Charles Gunsolas, a prominent Indiana Spiritualist and medium

  • Jane Coates, a Washington D.C. medium with ties to prominent D.C. politicians

  • HR Committee Chair, chair of the House of Representatives Committee (VO only)

  • Rep. Sol Bloom, a US Representative from New York (VO only)

  • Rep. from Florida, a US Representative from Florida (VO only)

  • Mary Stalich, a young student reporter

  • James, a doorman

  • Millie, a young woman.

The following characters should be played by the same actor

  • Rose

  • Harry

  • Bess

  • Jack/James

  • Steinem/Rep from Florida VO

  • Calumet/Twin

  • Servant/Charles/Bloom VO

  • Gerrold/HR Committee Chair VO

  • Benedetti/Coates/Mary/Millie

Enquire About Rights
Previous

Reversal of Burdens