Escape
A play in two acts
by
Harvey E. Ostroff
Time: 1974. Halloween Eve.
The play is set in a barn, but this is not revealed as yet. In a pool of light at center, a shiny black box three feet wide, three feet deep and four feet high hangs about three feet from the ground at right center.
A man stands alone in the spotlight at center. He is small but powerful and handsome with curly brown hair parted in the center, black riveting eyes and an engaging smile. His head is lowered, his eyes downcast. He wears tights and is wrapped in thick chains held together by huge, old fashioned padlocks. Slowly and deliberately, he raises his eyes fixing them on the audience and then, dismissing the crowd, he begins to flex and strain. Some haunting music [sugg. Syrinx by Debussy] begins to play in the background. With the music, his energy increases. It seems that he will never get loose, that the task is too gargantuan even for him. Sweat begins to pour off him in rivulets. We can see his pain. Then, he suddenly smiles and we can see that the chains have begun to loosen. With a gigantic shrug, like the shaking of a dog, he strains his muscles a final time and the chains sag enough for him to get his hands on one of the padlocks. He turns away from us in a slow circle and by the time he faces us again the padlock is open and in his hand. He deliberately drops it and it lands with a ringing thud. The chains fall to the ground. He steps out of them and bows.
Houdini
[To the audience ] Will wonders never cease! [He lowers the box with a wave of his hand and takes from it, a towel which he uses and then drops back into it and a robe of iridescent hues which he dons. He raises his hand and the black box rises off the stage. ]
I was in Dearborn and it was cold. The ice on the lake was almost fourteen inches thick. I was ready. I had always worked at my ability to hold my breath and for the last months, I had taken long baths in water filled with ice cubes. I dove and released the bonds that held me in seconds but during the brief struggle I lost my way and could not find the hole that had been cut in the ice. Time after time, I rose to the surface only to be blocked by the impenetrable barrier but
I didn't lose my head. I took small sips of oxygen in the layer of air that lay between the ice and water and I persevered until I found the opening.
Here, too, I shall persevere. Yes, I'm dead. So what. So are many but they are content to lie there in their tombs while the worms and grubs gnaw at them. They are not Houdini. Escape was never their passion or their livelihood. I left a message with my Bess. Rosabelle believe I would say and then she would know it was me. Listen for it I told her. Rosabelle believe.
He waves his hand and disappears in a puff of smoke.
The lights come up to reveal the framework of an old barn. A variety of tack is hanging on the walls and their are some bales of hay scattered around. Upstage from left to right , there are a series of three stalls. There is a musty feeling to the set. At center, drawn with yellow powder, is a large pentagram. In the up right corner, a jack 'o lantern grins malevolently. The remnants of a Halloween party are scattered throughout. Roy Rogers singing " Don't Fence me in." plays on the stereo. Sam enters. He is in his thirties, tall and good-looking somewhat like the macho cowboy in a Marlborough commercial. The music fades.
Sam
[Enters singing to the tune of "My Bonnie" Bring back, bring back oh bring back Houdini to me to me. He switches songs in mid phrase to Wasn't that a Party" sings a few bars and stopping, kneels and, taking a pouch of yellow powder draws a circle. around the pentagram. When he is finished, he stands and looks at it with approval He is clearly in a wonderful mood. He begins to sing once more ; this time to the tune of 'Won't you come home Bill Baily,' "Won't you come home Houdini" ]
[He speaks to himself ] Tonight, we bring you back. Isn't that a trip?
Houdini
[Reappears as before] Amazing isn't it? I wonder what would have happened if I had died on Nov. 2nd instead of October 31st, perhaps I wouldn't find myself at a different seance every Halloween. Perhaps I would have found some peace. Never mind. When I'm ready...when I find out how to do it. And I will find out. I'll come back. All those windows to the past that open for me this night. It is one hundred years since my birth. Is that significant? I don't know.
Sam
[ He's restless now. He looks about him as if waiting for others to arrive. He returns to the pentagram and scatters more of the powder, then goes to the center stall for a moment, emerging with five cushions. These, he places at the five points singing Won't you come home Houdini to the 'Bill Baily' tune.] Come on. Let's do it!
Houdini
Someone else is coming. Who is she? Interesting. Yes, she is one of the five. All right. Let me see. Open the window Erich. Pull up the shades. Look into the past to see the future. What is her connection to this man? [He waves his hand and the lighting shifts. ]
Maggie enters through one of the stalls upstage. She is dressed in '60's hippie garb and her hair is long and flowing.
Maggie
Sam?...Mr..Uh Professor Blanchard
Sam
Sam's good. I'm just a forth year student. You make me feel old.
Maggie
..Hi. Maggie Whiting. [She stretches out her hand. Her grin is disarming.] I heard you speak the other day in Greenlea's class. You gave us a lecture on--
Sam
Karma and samsara. The wheel of birth and it's application to psychic phenomena. I'm a T.A. in that class. Usually that means doing the marking and having your research stolen. But on that fateful day. Old Greenlea got his bug stuck in a snowdrift and I got to do the class. I...Sorry. I tend to talk too much when I meet a pretty girl. I tend to talk to much, period. I'm not much good at meeting new people altogether. I think that---
Maggie
Whoa! I thought that your lecture was the best thing that happened in that class since the semester began. I wanted to let you know. You showed real understanding.
Sam
Oh!
Maggie
Anyways, I wanted to know whether you would give that same talk to our coven Friday night.
Sam
Coven.
Maggie
Uh huh. And don't you dare say that you thought all witches had to be ugly and have big warts on their noses.
Sam
Coven. I'd like that. [Smiles ] That'd be far out. How many of you are there? Do you use the Cabbala in your ceremonies? Can I talk about any thing that I want or do I have to use the same materials I used in class that day? Do you want to go for a coffee? The Pam Pam's just across-
Maggie
Sure Sam. I'd like that. Stay right here, I'll get my coat. [She exits ]
Houdini has not been visible throughout the previous scene. The lighting shifts again and he reappears. This time, he is dressed in a tuxedo and holding a flapping white dove in his hand.
Houdini
That one, I definitely like. And all of the trappings are here. The pentagram, the sulfur. It's magic. [A deck of cards replaces the dove and he riffles them.] Pick a card. Any card......[A single card. the ace of spades rises from the pack and floats over the audience glowing in the dark.] I think I'll enjoy this one. Maybe this time.... There are many kinds of magic. Black magic, white magic, slight of hand, close up, illusion. Mostly they are tricks, but not always. Not always. The Rabbi of Prague raised a Golem from the dust to protect his people. There are secrets in the Cabbala and the writings of the Egyptians. There are diamonds in the dust and power in the stars. I like these people. Tonight I stay here. Who knows ? Ah, she comes.
Maggie
[offstage] You in there Sam?
Sam
Yep.
Maggie re enters. Now, she is a woman in her forties, dressed in the costume of a gypsy.
Maggie.
[Gives Sam a warm hug.] Kitchen's all clean. No real damage. I can't believe that after all these years you're still doing your annual Halloween party. There must have been nearly a hundred people here. Great party house too, but it's not like you. It's more like a stage setting. The curtain rises on a middle-class suburban rancher. [She looks around the barn.] This is a great set, too --Halloween eve. Full moon and the smell of animals and dusty straw. How can we fail.
I still practice Sam. We have a coven in Toronto. Be prepared for strange events. [Hugs him again. ] Oh, I found a leprechaun under the table in the kitchen with a dead bottle of Jack Daniels under his arm and called him a cab. I hope he wasn't supposed to take part in the seance. He was too far gone...
Sam
The leprechaun was Alvin. He used to be a Lawyer. Now he's a deadhead. He leaves next week to follow the Grateful Dead around Europe. A groupie at forty-five. Talk about your mid-life crisis!
Sam
I hardly even got to talk to you at the party Maggie. You're looking wonderful. I saw you play Elizabeth Proctor in 'the Crucible' at the Playhouse the other night. It wasn't easy to believe you when you said "It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery." You still look pretty hot to me. That new man of yours must be doing you some good. What was his name?
Maggie
History.[Laughs] Just call him History. And I do feel great. I'm glad it shows. Why didn't you come backstage. We could have gone for a coffee or.... Jesus Sam! It's been too long . [She goes into his arms for an embrace] I'm glad you called. I've been thinking about you. A lot. [She runs her hand through his hair. This is an old and familiar gesture.]
Sam
I read about you in the papers and I think. Jeez! Why'd I ever let her go. Remember the apartment on Dorchester. God! How my mother hated you!
Maggie
Is that why you went with me? To get back at your mother?
Sam
Partly. I also loved you Maggie. You were the strangest, most wonderful creature. I still love you Maggie. You are my youth and --
Maggie
Good. [ She kisses him again. This time it is not the kiss of a friend but a passionate promise of things to come.] I look forward to the end of the seance. I don't intend to go home tonight Sam.
Sam
Shit!
Maggie
Fine reaction. Usually I get a different response when I--
Sam
There are...uh...complications. Until last August I was living with someone. Her name is Pauline Blanchette. She's a broadcast journalist. She got a gig on the National and moved to Toronto. She called on Thursday to tell me she wanted to discuss things. I think she wants to move back in. I'm not sure how I feel but she did fly out and well...
Maggie
Poor boy. He never wants to hurt anybody. What do you want Sam?
Sam
Tonight, I want to bring back Houdini. [ sings 'bring back Houdini' to me.]
Maggie
You drunk Sam?
Sam
[Shakes his head ] I've been drinking. Want a beer? I've got some stashed in one of the stalls.
Maggie
[Shakes her head and walks over to the pentagram] Good. Sulfur is a nice touch. Do we have someone for each point?
Sam
Yep, there's you and me and.... Pauline. She hates costume parties. She hates parties period. If she managed to stay awake, she'll be here soon. If not, we'll go catch ourselves a leprechaun. Fourth point is Roger Blanco. You'll love Roger. He's an old coot with a big belly and an incredible mind. He writes for the Globe and Mail. Nostalgia pieces from the thirties. Did you meet him inside?
Maggie
Was he the Genie?
Sam
[Nods]
Maggie
I didn't think the belly was real. He seemed familiar. I never spoke to him. I barely spoke to anyone. Someone dressed like a flasher with flesh colored tights, a kolbassa sausage and two coconuts under his coat cornered me in the den and told me his life story. It wasn't worth listening to....And the fifth point?
Sam
That's Vinnie. He's---
Vinnie appears suddenly. He hasn't shaved for days and his eyes are wild.
Vinnie
I couldn't hear the birds this morning. My birds are always there but this morning they were gone. Maybe the gypsies put a spell on them or something. I live in the forest. [Looks puzzled] What's a forest without birds? [To Sam ] Sam. Hey, didn't I tell you to.... The Mafia is after you. They're gonna get all of my friends. You've got to get out of town. The Gypsies can't save me this time. I'm going down for sure. [Notices Maggie and freaks] Aw shit! They're here too. I don't know man. You got to help me out. I think the gypsies are after me too this time. I mean they're everywhere. They won't leave me alone. [Points to Maggie] Do you see her?
Sam
It's okay Vinnie, It's okay. It's just Halloween that's all. I want you to meet an old friend. This is Maggie. I told you about her. Do you remember? The night we were star watching at your place. [to Maggie] You should see his place. In the middle of the suburbs, Vinnie built a commune shack overlooking a stream on some realtor's one acre piece. Its the sixties revisited. Like our old commune in the Townships.
Vinnie
My birds are gone. The gypsies chased them away. Did you hear the birds this morning?
Sam
Yah, Vinnie. I heard them. What time did you get up today?
Vinnie
I haven't been feeling so good. And my truck died. Like I'm all stretched out. This job is gonna kill me.
Sam
What time did you get up?
Vinnie
I dunno. Noon, one o' clock?
Sam
I got up at six. At six the birds were a symphony. Have you been taking your Lithium? [to Maggie] Vinnie's a manic depressive. Classic case. Hallucinates too and he can get psychotic. Last year, when I was on Sabbatical. Vinnie and I built a Japanese garden. He's a Goddamn genius when it comes to plants. One morning, I found him.... I [He draws his finger across his wrist].. He said that the voices from the radio told him to do it. Are you still taking your meds?
Vinnie
[ Shakes his head ] It makes me feel gray. Do you know what it means to have all the colors turn gray. Lithium does that to me. Its like a chemical fog. I get lost in it and then I can't find me.
Sam
Magg's could you go see if you can find Roger and bring him over. We should start this pretty soon.
Maggie
What about....
Sam
Pauline? I'll give her fifteen minutes. If she's not here, we'll wake up Alvin.
Maggie
Cool. [She exits.]
Vinnie
I'm going to raise geese. Guard-geese. I've been digging ponds all week. I figured I ought to come up with a new breed within two or three years. What do you think? Guard geese. You got to love it. Then I won't have to take those damn drugs. Mafia won't be able to get me and the world won't be so fucking gray.
Houdini
[Appears as before ] What a schmuck. What does that Sam see in him and why did he invite him to my party? Bring him over to my side of the universe and I'll show him gray. Hey! Crazy-man. Over here. I'll make you disappear.
Vinnie
What did you say Sam?
Sam
[Shakes his head.] Are you okay Vinnie? Do you want me to drive you home? We've still got a bit of time before we have to start. I'm..
Vinnie
No. I'm okay. This short guy in a tuxedo.....Never mind. Let's do the seance. I got a bunch of folks to bring back.
Houdini
What! Hey he saw me. Rosabelle believe! Rosabelle believe!!
Vinnie
Believe what? Who's Rosawhatsit?
Sam
Have you got any of your pills with you?
[Vinnie starts to look through his pockets.]
Houdini
[ Stopping him ] Don't take any pills. Whatever you do. Don't take them. I need you alert. You're my ticket out of here. Wherever here is.
Vinnie
I'm not allowed to take them Sam. He said no.
Sam
Who said no? The shrink?
Houdini
If that means a doctor, tell him yes.
Vinnie
[Angry ] I don't lie to my friends.
Sam
What the fuck are you talking about?...And who are you talking to?
Vinnie
[Tries to clear his head ] He may be from the Mafia or.....nothin. Hey you didn't say anything about my costume.
Sam
You're not wearing a costume.
Vinnie
[Looks at himself] Aw shit. I knew I forgot something. I had it all set. I was coming as Jesus.[He looks at his hands] I had the nails all ready. It was gonna be a beauty.
Sam
Tomorrow, I'm taking you to see Janie Colson. You're flipped again.
Vinnie
Forget it. She talks at me. I Don't like it when people talk at me. I thought shrinks were supposed to listen. You know how to listen. You be my shrink.
Sam
I can't do that Vin. I care too much. And I don't have the training.
Vinnie
Who needs training. Let's just do it.[Like a lost little boy ] My mother never loved me and Dad hated me....[smiles and looks at Sam ] I have good friends.
Time stands still for a moment as the two men look at one another. Houdini winks at Vinnie and puts his finger to his lip. Vinnie winks and nods. Sam winks back and nods his head in agreement.
Enter Roger Blanco. Roger is seventy five years old. He is dressed in the costume of a Genie, complete with jeweled turban and scimitar. He is genial with and a hearty laugh. He has minimal hearing and speaks loudly as a result.
Roger
Hey, Sammy. Hah. I haven't been up this late since I was spooning. Do you know that word? Spooning? Hah! Nowadays they call it sex. Hallie sure has let me off the leash tonight.
Sam
Hal--
Roger
Give me a beer. Give me two....Hi Vinnie. How's the world treating you?
Vinnie
I don't know.
Roger
That lilac you gave me spring before last took really well. Creamy white blossoms last year. Yah, sure smelled sweet....You look like hell Vinnie. You ought to take better care of yourself.
Vinnie
Sam takes care of me and my gypsies take care of me. There's one here tonight....and there's this other guy from the Mafia. He--
Sam
Vinnie is in his depressive phase. He stopped taking his lithium.
Vinnie
[Angry ] Don't you fucking talk about me as if I'm not here!
Sam
All right then. Take your Goddamn pills and I won't have to talk about you at all. Dammit Vinnie. You're a valuable human being. You take a Goddamn rock and place it beside a shrub and it's perfect. You're a bloody artist. That's a rare gift. Don't squander it....Don't...[He looks at Vinnie who has wandered off embarrassed as he always does when he is complimented by Sam ] Never mind. Die if you want to. Slit your wrists again.
Roger
A bit rough aren't you Sammy? Come on boy. Live and let live. That's what I always say. Live and let live.
Sam
I won't be one of his regular troupe. I won't sit and listen to his fantasies nodding my head because I don't know what to say. I used to do that. Not any more. [Smiles at Vinnie] Anyway he like the abuse. Don't you Vinnie? At least he keeps coming back for more.
Vinnie
[Starts to roll a drum cigarette] Sure. Sam's my shrink. [Indicating the tobacco ] Are you on or off this week ?
Sam
Roll me one Vinnie. This is going to be a long night.
Houdini
[ Steps towards Vinnie ]I have that feeling too. Vincent. If you can still hear me, nod your head.
Maggie
[Enters.] Roll you what Sam. You still smoking dope?
Vinnie
[Nods his head vigorously ]
Sam
Sure. Isn't everybody?
Houdini
Do you know who I am Vincent? Do you know me?
Maggie
I don't think that the seance will work if you toke up.
Sam
Drum tobacco, the taste of poverty. Remember when I smoked a pipe?
Maggie
Cherry Blend. I can still smell it. [She is staring at Roger ]
Vinnie
Are you from the Mafia? Who are you?
Sam
Pardon? [Vinnie doesn't respond ] Anyway, about the dope, I wasn't planning on it but maybe we should do some . According to Castenada--
Sam
"While drugs will have influence"...Never mind. Nobody quotes Casteneda anymore.
Vinnie
[turns to Houdini ] Are you my Dad? [The others watch not knowing what to say. Sam and Roger have seen Vinnie in this state before. Maggie is perplexed but her focus is still on Roger.]
Houdini
[Shakes his head ] Don't let on that you can see me. We'll work something out later. During the seance.
Vinnie
[Nods ] Beauty.
Sam
Dad? Jesus Vinnie. We've got to talk. Excuse us Mag. Just for a bit.[He starts to take him off to the side] Oh! I almost forgot. Maggie. This is Roger--
Maggie
[ With a burst of recognition ] Mr. White!!
Sam
Blanco. [He and Vinnie go over to the upstage left stall. They begin a conversation sotto voce. ]
Roger
Used to be White. When I was teaching. I thought that it was too bland for a writer. Maggie Whiting.
Maggie
Oh, you remember me.? I wasn't sure that you would.
Roger
Are you kidding? You were a weird kid Maggie. [To Vinnie and Sam] She thought she was a witch. Drove the teachers crazy. She was too intelligent for the system. And too much of a pain in the ass for us to accept her differences.
Maggie
You know what you told me once Mr. White?
Roger
Don't call me Mr. White. It makes me feel like a ghost. Of course I remember you. How could you think I would forget, but remember a conversation that we once had. ....
Maggie
We were taking about what makes a great artist. You said that it was because they dared to be different.
Roger
Dared to be different, like Maggie.
Houdini
Vincent. Tell me what you see. Pay attention. Yes, attention must be paid. [ He pulls a silk scarf seemingly from the air he swirls it about, the lighting shifts and we slip into the past ]
Maggie
Mr. White. What did you mean
Roger
Pardon
Maggie
In class today, You said that I could be great...an artist.
Roger
I don't know Maggie. It's just a feeling that I have about you. You get premonitions about some students when you've taught as long as I have. You should finish school even though it's obvious that you don't belong here. Use the time to find your voice. If you want, I can help you. Give you some extra coaching after school.
Houdini waves the silk once more. The lighting shifts and we enter a different past.
Roger
If you want to be an actress Maggie, you have to let go. You have to get to open your mind. And drop all of that witchcraft hocus-pocus will you? It's getting in the way.
Maggie
Don't tell me what to believe in. Take my mind, play with my body old man. That's my fee for these damn extra lessons but get your grubby paws off my soul.
Roger
Your soul belongs to the muse. Let go damn you. If you want to play Nora get rid of Maggie.
Maggie
Fuck you! Nora and Maggie are one. " I must stand quite alone, if I am to understand myself and everything about me. It is for that reason that I cannot remain with you any longer." So long Mr. White. Teach your children well.
Roger
Unless you learn to let go, you will always be a mediocre actress.
Vinnie
Wow! That's a trip.
Maggie
[ Back in the present] I did it you bastard. How many other students did you abuse with your extra lessons? "You will always be a mediocre actress." My whole career was for proving you wrong. I found my voice in the theatre. Mr...Roger.. God that's hard to do.
[Sarcastic ] I've thought about contacting you, telling you how much I appreciated your help in high school. Well, fuck you. I gave as much as I got. [Pause. She sees his age and relents ] You were a gifted teacher. I'll give you that.
Roger
I saw you as Maggie the cat a few years ago. First time I ever understood the character. I'm not fond of Williams, too many ten-dollar words... but you were good. I started to go backstage but I didn't know how I would be received. You were meeting someone and you walked right past me.
Maggie
I saw you. [quietly ] You looked old.
Roger
Pardon?
Maggie
Old.
Roger
I am old. Rage against the dying of the light. Dylan the drunk knew whereof he spoke....[ Softly ] I never thought you minded, Maggie. There were no others. The sex was never part of any bargain we might have made. At least not as I saw it. As I remember it, we just... Well you..
Maggie
It doesn't matter. At seventeen, I was no stranger to sex.
Sam
Seems like you two are old friends.
There is an awkward pause.
Vinnie
That's for sure. Right--- [Turns to Houdini for confirmation but he is no longer there.]
Sam
Your beer looks about gone Roger, shall I...
Roger
Sure.
Maggie
I'll have one too.
Sam
Vinnie! Want a brew?
Vinnie
Whoa! I forgot. I brought you some homemade. Its in the truck. I'll get it. [Exits ]
Sam
This seance is going to be great Maggie. Have you ever...
Maggie
Many times. The Coven held seances regularly. We would seek advice from beyond. My father was the medium. He brought up Lizzie Borden once, and Mary Easty from Salem.
Sam
But what about you? Have you ever done it. As the medium I mean.
Maggie
I know the routine. [She begins to prepare the pentagram and draws, with the sulfur, a goats head in the center. Sam watches from the sidelines. ]
Houdini
So do I my dear, So do I. [He goes into his performance mode] "We laugh at the old story of witches astride broomsticks flying through space. But what could be more ridiculous than to believe our dead appear in the form of ectoplasm through decayed teeth or any other part of a medium's body. Why, if our dead wished to communicate with us, would they resort to raps on a table. "
They don't really want to raise my spirit. They don't care. Oh the one named Sam has an intellectual curiosity but no more than that. He doesn't know what he believes. And Maggie has experienced a lifetime of Satanic ritual but even she is not a true believer. I did not want to expose the fraudulent mediums even though it rescued my dying career. I wanted to find my mother. I wanted to find a true medium that would bring her to me. I almost believed Lady Jane Doyle when she wrote on the paper....[Laughs ]until I remembered that my mother spoke only Yiddish.
Vinnie has entered while Houdini has been talking. He distributes the beer with one eye on the specter. Clearly he hears and sees everything that the audience does.
Vinnie
Think I heard a car Sam. Drink up. Its good brew. Still a bit green though, so don't tilt it back. [He waits until Sam takes his first sip ] Beauty eh?
Pauline enters. She is a tall and striking woman in her early thirties, dressed in an expensive, conservative suit. She is clearly upset.
Pauline
Sam. I'm stuck in some Goddamn hole out in your field. Why did you have to move way out in the fucking boonies anyway! Could you get me out please? [She exits without waiting for a response.]
Sam
All right! We're coming.
Vinnie
I got to stay here Sam.
Sam
Okay Vinnie. If we need you we'll holler. You're not pushing the car Rog....Maybe you could bring in the cardboard box I had Pauline pick up. It doesn't weigh much.
Roger
I never realized how much your friends baby you when you get older. Might make a good column. From five to seventy-five and back again.
Sam
For Christ sake you've just recovered from a heart attack. Quit griping. I'll probably just pull her out with the tractor in the morning. Vinnie, you don't have to come if you don't want to. [ He exits, along with Maggie and Roger ]
Vinnie
Good plan. I'll be right here. [He goes immediately to the spot where he last saw Houdini ]
Vinnie
Okay, like I know you're there. Are you testing me or what?
Houdini
[Appearing as before] You can see me? Describe what you see.
Vinnie
A short guy with muscles, curly hair, and an old fashioned tuxedo. Are you Mafia?
Houdini
Mafia! I am Houdini. Erich Weiss or I was until my demise in 1926.
Vinnie
The escape-artist guy.
Houdini
Yes. You've heard of me then.
Vinnie
Sure, you're the guy Sammy is trying to bring back in the seance tonight.
Houdini
The very same.
Vinnie
How come I can see you and they can't. Are you going to appear when they call for you?
Houdini
I can't answer those questions. No one has ever been able to contact me before and although I have been present at other seances, I have never been able to contact anyone.
Vinnie
This is great. A new vision. As if the old ones weren't bad enough! All right. How do I know that you're really this Houdini guy?
Houdini
The coffin trick. It took only one minute, yet, I made the audience wait for half an hour before I would appear.
Vinnie
So?......Why'd you do that?
Houdini
Because they needed to believe that I was going to die. That was the secret of my success.
Vinnie
Do something for me. Show me your stuff.
Houdini
Stuff?
Vinnie
A trick. Show me some magic. Help me believe.
Houdini
[Waves his hand and lowers the black box ]
Vinnie
Wow! Can anyone else see that?
Houdini
I have no idea. I do know that you are the only one who has seen me since I was buried at Malpela cemetery. From that coffin, only my spirit escaped.
[ He removes a straight jacket from the box and then discards it. He keeps rummaging through the box until he finds what he is looking for. It is a large mail bag ] I used to like this one. Simple yet effective. One of my earliest escapes. Not as elaborate as my water escapes or as frightening to the audience as hanging upside down from a bridge but it will serve. It feels good to have an audience again. Examine the bag Sir. You will find no hidden devices. No tricks nor subterfuge.
Vinnie
[Reaching for the bag. It eludes his grasp ] I can't seem to get to it.
Houdini
I see.[Shrugs] I had thought that I might have effected a genuine materialization. I would have needed your assistance to tie me in for that one. I could do some slight of hand or Da Kolta's vanishing glass but how would you be able to attest to the truth of..... Never mind. It won't work.
Vinnie
Hey! Never mind. What's the difference eh? Hell, I see lots of things that other people don't. Do you know Ramon?
Houdini
Ramon?
Vinnie
Leader of a gypsy tribe. He does magic too. He's got a crystal ball. He saved my life once. Sammy came over and picked up the pieces but Ramon saved me.
I cut myself up a bit. I guess I'm an escape artist too eh? There was blood all over and I never heard music like that before. The music was shining. There were so many colors. Radio kept saying it would be wonderful. "Bleed yourself Vinnie. Let the music run red." I could feel sparks in the air. Everything was so clear. [ His hands are shaking as he tells the story; not with fear but with excitement ]
I took a knife. A bread knife. You know with the serrated edge. On the radio, they told me where to cut. My wrists. They said to make sure I cut through the tendons. And my neck. Here, at the jugular. And my arms...here. And then my chest. There was no pain. The music was exquisite. I died. Yah, really. Nobody believes me but I know that I died because after a while, I couldn't move and then I was looking down at my body with the blood running onto the floor. Right? That's gotta be dead. Then Ramon came and I saw him close the wounds and the blood just stopped flowing. Then I didn't see my body anymore, I was my body. I got up and washed. I got most of the blood [laughs] I even put on a turtle neck with long sleeves so that...no one could tell what I had done. At the Doctor, Sammy freaked when I took off my shirt. ... Houdini eh? Far out! .... What do you want?
Houdini
To escape one more time. And to have an audience that knows I have escaped.
Vinnie
That's pretty deep. I'm going to have to think on that one. [pause ] I like it. It'll be a real trip. Better than mushrooms. [He sits down on a bale of hay and stares at Houdini ]
Pauline
[Enters with Sam ] Why in Gods name did you have to move out here to Hells half acre. Suburbia plus Sam. I never thought that you would succumb to middle age boredom.
Pauline
I remember your old apartment. We used to steam up the windows.
Sam
It wasn't mine. It belonged to Darryl Jones. He worked in my department. Haven't seen him forever.
Pauline
I never asked you. What did you used to tell your wife?
Sam
I told her that I was having a torrid affair with a gorgeous journalist who melts in my arms like cotton candy in a hot mouth.
Pauline
Mmmnh. [ Kisses him ] You're so poetic. You know it really turns me on.
Sam
[ Disentangles himself ] I'm not sure I want to go there, Pauline.
Pauline
What did you tell her?
Sam
We'd not been getting along. I was going to tell her that I had a paper to finish but the lie wouldn't come out. I told her that I had met someone and that I wanted to explore my options.
Pauline
Really? You said that? Explore your options?
Sam
That's the way we talked in those days. Anyway. I didn't want to skulk around feeling guilty so...
Pauline
But, after your divorce, you moved back to the city. What in Gods name ever made you move way to St. Anne. It's only been three months since I left you and you've changed so much. Do you still have your apartment on Sherbrooke?
Sam
[ Shakes his head. ] When we split, Jess decided that it was too isolated out here. She wanted a place in Old Montreal with a loft. I put this place on the market but when I got an offer, I couldn't go through with the sale so I remortgaged it and gave Jess cash for half the value. I lived here for ten years before I met you. My friends are here.
Pauline
I've missed you Sammy. But I don't think that I could live way out here.
Sam
It was you that decided on a broadcast career and moved to Toronto. Look, I don't like that city. I don't like what it smells like. Jesus! Don't rush things. I was just getting used to us being over.
Pauline
Then why did you drag me out here at one o'clock in the morning for a bloody seance, of all things.
Sam
a. I did not drag you out here, I invited you and you said, and I quote, " I might get a news segment out of this. Satanic cults are all the rage in Ontario these days . Everybody's talking about Houdini's one hundredth birthday" b. You could have come earlier . There was a party going on. c. You can stay the night and d. we're less than thirty miles from town. That's forty-five minutes on the freeway. Don't get mad at me because you put your car into a ditch. I'll get the tractor and pull you out in the morning. It's no big deal.
Pauline
Is that your teaching mode? a,b,c,d? Did you used to talk that way to your wife?
Sam
Come on Pauline. Lets start this again. It's nice to see you on the News every night. You look great. And you give really hard interviews. It's exciting. I wish they would show your legs though. What a waste. Come on Polly. Lets don't fight. We hardly get to see each other any more.
Vinnie
[ Has made up his mind ] Sam, I got to talk to you. Houdini is here already, He spoke to me.
Sam
Sure Vinnie. That's great.
Vinnie
No foolin Sam. He's here.
[Enter Maggie and Roger. She is carrying a cardboard box. He has several of Pauline's suitcases]
Roger
Eh? Who's here?
Vinnie
Houdini.
Roger
Good, Glad I didn't lug this stuff for nothing. Let's get to it.
Sam
Why'd you lug it in the first place Rog. You know your heart won't take it.
Roger
You sound just like Hallie. She babied me and died of her own heart attack. I feel so lost....
Sam
You know what she would say? I'll tell you. "It's been six months Roger. Time to move on. Get back to your writing. Stop sipping tea in the kitchen and talking to a ghost. And watch yourself. You've had a triple bypass."
Roger
[ A wry laugh] I know all that. It's just that I miss..... Shit!!
Sam touches Roger in friendship.
Pauline
Is it too heavy for you? Hand it over then.
Roger
Pardon?
Pauline
The bags. Hand over the bags.
Roger
Gladly. What's in the box ?
Pauline
I don't know. Sam asked me to pick it up from his office.
Sam
I'm borrowing it from Ripley's Museum in New York. I got a research grant. These items weren't on display but they did belong to Houdini. Here, I'll take these manacles and put them in the center of the pentagram. They were the ones.....
Houdini
[Walks over to Sam and examines the manacles. Overlapping with
Sam ] They were the ones that that bastard from the London Daily Mirror tested me with. I cut off my frock coat and threw the pieces to the audience. He kindly provided me with a pillow when I said that my knees were hurting. Five years it took the locksmith to forge those cuffs. It took me more than an hour to release myself. [laughs] I could have done it in five minutes but that would have insulted every mechanic and craftsman in England.... March 18, 1904.
Sam
[Overlapping ] March 18, 1904. [He places them in the center of the pentagram and standing there for a moment takes a photograph from his pocket ] Good. We're all here. I asked you all to bring a memory. This is mine. A picture of my mother and I taken when I was ten. [ He shows it to the group. They are now gathered at the pentagram ] It was Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah 1954. We were taking my grandparents for a drive to the Laurentians in my fathers new Hudson. We sang all the way back. All of us. Everything from 'Mares 'E 'Dotes' to 'Cruising down the River.' It was just before we discovered that Ma had Colitis. Our last happy Sunday. She never smiled like that again. I was going to write a novel after she died. I still remember the opening line. "While still quite young, my mother placed a mask of bitterness on her face. She left it on too long and the mask became the face."
Sam
She is my ghost. We all have ghosts. [He puts down the photograph beside the handcuffs ] You go next Pauline.
Pauline
Look Sam. This is getting a bit too serious. I thought that it would be like playing the ouija board when I was a kid. These friends of yours are...[ She looks at them. Maggie moves over to Sam protectively ] Well come on Sam you got to admit that they are a bit weird. Eh? [She gathers some courage ] What have we got here anyway. A witch, a geezer and a guy who is so loony tunes that he scares the shit out of me.
Maggie
[ Sweetly ] Sam what do you see in this foul-mouthed, paranoid bitch?
Sam
Right now I'm not so sure. There were moments when.... She's right Pauline. If I had just met you, I'd be thinking the same thing. Lighten up for fucks sake! It's a party. Have a bloody drink. Vin get her a beer will you.
Pauline
I don't want a fucking beer! I want to get out of here.
Maggie
We need the five points covered Sam.
Sam
All right damn it! I'll go get Alvin. He doesn't live far. [moves to the door.] Probably dreaming about The Dead. Pretty appropriate, don't you think? Take my car if you want Pauline. Or you can go into the house and crash if you don't want to drive.
Pauline
[ Practically in tears ] It's a five speed. You know I can't drive those. [Sidles up to Sam ] Look, I've been really stressed out. I was let go on Thursday. CBC cutbacks and, Shit! I came out here to try and get my life back together. I need order in my life. [ To the others ] I thought that Sam and I had something going. It's only been three months since I.... Look I'm sorry. I was out of line. I don't know any of you well enough to insult you. It'll have to keep 'til I get to know you better. [ Her attempt at humor falls flat] Please. I'm really sorry. [Behind her brusque exterior is a fragile child. It is this quality that makes her attractive to Sam. Pauline always pushes ahead. ]
Sam
I'm sorry they let you go Polly.
Pauline
[Takes a book out of her purse] I did bring something. Before I got canned, I was looking forward to this. Not for Houdini but I was interested in the seance[ She looks at the group wondering whether or not to trust them ] I had a twin. Bobbi. She was going to be a dancer. She was everything that I wasn't. Graceful, determined. I could never measure up and then she died. We were driving to my Aunt Rosie's. It was fall of 1960. I insisted on taking the back seat. The whole back seat. I was playing with my dolls. She argued but in little things I was always the stubborn one. Dad thought that he had enough time to make it across the highway and a black pick up came barreling along. The driver must have been going a hundred miles an hour. He hit us on Bobbi's side. If she had been in the back, she would have been fine.
I wasn't even scratched. Here's the last entry in her diary. [ She hesitates then opens the book ] "Dear Diary. Tomorrow is the big recital. I dance a solo in the Nutcracker. I'm nervous but as long as Pauline is in the audience, I know I'll be okay. Its neat to have a twin. P.S. I think Pauline likes Robert Segal. He's cute with curley black hair and dimples and he told me that he likes me. What should I do?"
Every time I get introspective, I fantasize about Bobbi. I see her grown up. [ She shuts the diary and puts it down with the other objects. ]
Pauline
I see her and I hear her music but she never dances. You're right Sammy. We all have ghosts.
Roger
This is getting pretty maudlin. If it were a script or a story, I would cut all of this saccharin crap out of it.
Vinnie
I brought the knife that I used to cut myself up. I'm my own ghost. I've been dead for over a year. That's why I can't hear the birds any more. No more birds. Ramon says that I never really existed. I believe him.
[ He places the knife in the center of the pentagram. ]
Sam
What did you bring Rog ?
Roger
A pinch of Hallie's ashes. I have many ghosts. Most of the people I knew are ghosts. When you get to be my age, ghosts are pretty commonplace. [He throws the ashes into the pentagram.]
Maggie
Ghosts are commonplace. I've always known that.
Sam
What did you bring us Maggie?
Maggie
[Maggie takes a skull out of her handbag. It is old and cracked ] Here.
Roger
[Reaching for it ] Alas poor Yorick. I knew him Horatio. I've always wanted to do that. [He chortles ] I'm too old to play Hamlet. I'm almost too old to play Lear... I think that I taught English so that I could read Shakespeare to a captive audience.
Maggie
[Grudgingly ] You did a pretty good job of it. Inspired me anyway.
Roger
And scared the hell out of the rest I reckon.
Sam
Enough reminiscences. Tell us about the skull Maggie.
Maggie
It belonged to Mary Easty.
Sam
The Salem witch?
Maggie
The same. She .... it's been in the family for a long time.[ She puts it into the center of the pentagram. ]
Sam
Done then. Let's begin.
They all move to center and sit at the points of the pentagram. Maggie starts to chant. Just a breath chant. No language is discernible. They clasp each others' hands and close their eyes. The light dims on them.
Maggie
We seek the path of Wicca. We ask her aid. Lead us to the portals of the spirit world. Show us the dead. Show!! Show!! Show!!! Cerebus let down your guard. Show! Show! Show!! [They are in trance. ]
Houdini
[ Appears at center stage hanging upside down from a rope. He is in a straight-jacket and the rope is ablaze. After a struggle, he releases himself and gestures at the rope which rises into the fly gallery .] How did I do it? The master of mystery will never reveal his secrets. [Turns to the group ] I like this group. Last year, the seance was pathetic. No sense of magic. [He turns to the group and motions at Vinnie who rises from the group and moves to Houdini. The hands that Vinnie was holding remain in the same position.]
Vinnie
This is freaky.[ Looks back at the group ] What's happened to them?
Houdini
They are in trance.
Vinnie
Can they see you yet?
Houdini
No. But I have been thinking about that.
Vinnie
And....
Houdini
And I believe that there is a way. You said earlier that you are your own ghost. Perhaps that is true. Perhaps that is why you can see me and they cannot.
Vinnie
I don't want to be dead.
Houdini
I just suggested--
Vinnie
I don't care. You probably don't exist anyway. All my life I've been seeing people that don't bloody exist. They tell me what to do and I fuck up my life. Bloody ghosts and gypsies. Who needs you guys. I'm forty-fucking-five years old. Why the fuck do you think that I live alone in a bloody shack, when everyone else has families and a real house. Why do you think that I never had a childhood. My father ran away because he knew I would be weird. My mother gave up on me when I was three because I was weird. Reverend Hollister, at the home, rammed it up my bum because he knew that nobody would believe me if I told on him 'cause I was too fucking weird. [This is a gut cry ] Get out of my head!!!
Houdini
I can't do that.
Vinnie
Oh yah? I know what to do. I'm going to take some of that Lithium stuff. That'll fix you. Then where will you be? Eh! Nowhere that's where. [He searches his pockets ] Damn I must have left it at home. There's never any drugs when you really need them.
Houdini
I will not leave you Vincent. You are my anchor to this world but I may be able to lend credence to your hallucination. Go back to the circle. Tell them that I have spoken to you. Tell them that you can answer any questions that they put to you. That you are my voice.
Vinnie
Sure. And what makes you think that they'll believe me any more than -
Houdini
They will believe you because Sam is an expert and he will know that you cannot possibly have the information I will give you. They will believe you Vincent. [He waves his hand. ]
Houdini
Go to the circle now. Go!!
Vinnie
All right, I'll do what you say.....but they won't believe me. [He takes his place in the circle ]
Houdini
Leave that to me.
The others begin to stir.
Sam
I guess it didn't work. What do you think went wrong Maggie.
Houdini
[Whispers to Vinnie ] Act as if you are in a trance and repeat my words. I will enter them into your thoughts. It will be less awkward.
Vinnie
Whaat? I don't understand.
Houdini
Just relax. I'll do the rest.
Maggie
Who are you talking to Vinnie?
Vinnie
I am Erich Weiss. I am twice born. Once in Budapesht on March 24 1874 and again in Appleton Wisconsin on April 6 of that same year. I lived. I died and now I am reborn for the third time. I have been waiting for all of you.
Sam
Shit! Vinnie's off again.
Pauline
Why'd you invite that freak anyway. He gives me the willies.
Roger
He's really harmless. We all care for him in this neighborhood. He's a hell of a guy actually--
Vinnie
I am Erich Weiss. The fifth son of Shmuel ben Ezra, Rabbi of Pesht. Houdini for Robert Houdin, Harry for Harry Kellar.
Sam
What did you do Vin? Read a book before you came here?
Vinnie
You called on me and I have come to you. Through Vincent, a receptive, I will speak to you. I am Houdini. I married Bess Rahner. I played before kings. I bought my mother a dress that belonged to Queen Victoria. I died at Grace Hospital on October 31st, 1926. My final words were to my brother. "Dash...I'm tired of fighting....guess this thing is going to get me." The slates will not fly. There will be no rapping on tables. I am no Mina Crandon resorting to tricks and subterfuge. Rosabelle believe. It is I, master of mystery.
Sam
That's the code. "Rosabelle believe." He told his wife that he would say those words if he found a way back. He met her on Coney Island and--
Vinnie
She was singing Rosabelle.
Pauline
This is weird Sam. No kidding. This is weird.
Maggie
In Mexico, at this time of year they have the Dia de Los Muertos, The day of the dead. It's like a family reunion. They put out favorite foods and drink. And the dead come out. I've seen it twice; once in Oaxaca and once in Guanaguato. I have seen wonders. I believe.
Roger
Is Hallie with you? Are there other spirits present?
Vinnie
Can't you feel them. In good time. All in good time. We have a long night ahead of us. The past shall be revealed in the present. The dead cannot lie.
Pauline
I'm getting out of here! I'm getting a tension headache. You don't want me here anyway Sam. You've been staring at Maggie all night.
Sam
She's the Goddam Medium for Christ's sake. What the hell am I supposed to do? Close my eyes?
Pauline
You don't have to swear at me Sam. I'm sorry. There I said it again. Why do you make me feel so fucking guilty all the time?
Sam
You're a reporter Polly. You've seen it all. You told me that. [Goes to her] Stay. Please stay. I believe that if we change anything he will leave. I have no idea what's happening but maybe we can learn something here. Don't screw it up now.
Pauline
Take your hands off me Sam. I said I'm getting out.
Vinnie
She doesn't want you to know how happy she was when her sister died. Yes Pauline, Barbara Joyce is here waiting to speak to you.
Pauline
Noo!! [She rushes towards the door.]
There seems to be an invisible barrier between Pauline and the edge of the circle. She struggles against it but cannot leave. In the circle, Vinnie collapses, the lights flash and Houdini appears in the center of the pentagram in tuxedo and top hat. Pauline faints. Maggie squeals with delight. Sam and Roger are aghast.
Houdini
Will wonders never cease. [He smiles slowly.]
Act One curtain