The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

"The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts" by Bayard Veiller is a gripping drama set in a lavish New York home, where a seemingly innocent séance spirals into chaos when a shocking murder exposes hidden secrets and strained relationships among the characters. The play introduces us to William Crosby, his mother Mrs. Crosby, the eloquent Helen O'Neill, and the enigmatic medium Madame Rosalie La Grange, all caught in a tangled web of love, class divisions, and unexpected tragedy. Initially, the play showcases lighthearted moments, as William and Helen's affection is observed by William’s mother, but this joyful atmosphere shatters when the distressed Edward Wales arrives, foreshadowing dark revelations. What starts as a cordial gathering quickly turns sinister, setting the stage for suspicion and intrigue, as the characters must confront their own hidden agendas and face the consequences of their tangled pasts, leaving the audience questioning each character's involvement in the shocking crime.