The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-27
ADJUSTMENTS.
Robson on the DrOmiOs.

There is naught to suggest the merry
tempered Dromio in Stuart Robson, once
his face Is cleansed of grease paint and
his ambling legs are sheathed in trousers
with a regulation cut-away buttoned prone
against a faultless cravat and an unos-
trusive citizens derby set squarely on
his head. His face and kindly eyes are al
most priestly in their benevolent express
sion. He is an entertaining taIker and,
what is more fascinating, always conveys
the impression to those who are favored
with an audience that he is deeply inter
ested in what they have to say His pro-
duction OF the Comedy of Errors" is a
subject that calls for some expression be-
holden to it's success almost every day. or
as often as he meets any one who en-
joys discussing it's merits. Seated in his
dressing room last night, Mr. Robson
launched out with the remark: Now and
then l notice there are still people who call
the Comedy of Errors only a merry
farce"
Then with a delicate intonaton and
little hating laugh. suggesting his favorite
stage voice, he said: Shakespeare called
it a comedy, and-Shakspeare ought To
know. No such lines as those spoken by
Adriana were ever written in farce
Then the question of the necessity for a
striking physical resemblance between the
TWO DTOLnlOS was announcer point on Wnlcn
he insists the success of a production OF
Comedy of Errors depends. According
to MIR. robson and under the circum-
stances Mr.. Robson ought TO be fair author
ity, IL makes all the difference in the world
whetfe r the Dromios resemble each other
to any great degree II never heard of the
prcnios being cast In any other way ="
said he, not concealing his surprise at the
contrary suggestion. and he is OF course
correct. While the audience Is not 10 be
deceived or confused. the actors must be
deceived the play would have no mean
ing But actors are really persons of in
teiIect same as others OF the human species
ana they could not be expected to feign de-
ception If one Dromio We're as Robson
makes him and the other tall slender
dude Might as we'll expect the couple TO be
married, in q play, OF course, to mistake
the staggering villain i'm plaid pantaIOons
for the minister who is to unite them
Mr.. Shines point OF excellence above
that of Mr.. Crane as the other Dromfo"
said Mr.. Robson, and this is not said In
disparagement 10 Mr. Cranes ability in the
/ least, lies in the fact that he not only much
more resembles rue in physical appearance
but ne has the key-the musical pitch OF
the deception. Mr.. Crane, with his power
full voice, did not thus resemble me- No:
l hardly think there can be any doubt as
alike. / have even considered giving the
performance with one man taking both
sary for both be at the same time
Joe jefferson once produced Comedy of
Errors in that manner"
But would not that detract from the
interest the audience might take in study
ing the work Of two actors in the part Pc
81 would not tell the audience"
could you successfully carry out the de-
ception?'
Il did ii once when Mr.. Crane and my
self were playing the piece. One night Mr..
Crane was badly out of voice. He is an
inch or 80 taller than l. but obviated that
with high and low-heeled shoes. and played
both characters myself. he only coming on
when it was necessary for Us both TO ap-
pear at the same time"
And was not the deception discovered %