Comedy of Errors

Character Descriptions

This is going to be a fun and exciting show for both performers and audience. All cast members will be expected to be collaborative and giving from the first rehearsal through to the closing night. Creating a true ensemble of performers who can trust and support each other is required. If you accept a role, I assume that you are willing to share your humor and generosity with others. See you at auditions!

Solinius – Duke of Ephesus ............... The “mayor” or “president” or the “chief” of the group. He establishes the rule of law and holds the ultimate authority and status in the play. Male or Female.

Egeon, Merchant of Syracuse............ This is the father of the Antipholus twins. He can be any age. The challenge for this role is the INCREDIBLY LONG monologue he has in Act I. Male.

Antipholus of Ephesus....................... He is a respected businessman in the town of Ephesus and is husband of Adriana. He was raised apart from his father and brother. He is the master of Dromio of Ephesus. Big energy, a little pig headed, and has the epic/comic monologue at the end of the play. Male.

Antipholus of Syracuse...................... The twin who was raised with his father. He went in search of his brother seven years ago, bringing along his servant, Dromio of Syracuse. Ant. of S. is a little superstitious. Very physical. Male.

Adriana, wife to Ant. of E.................. She is Alice in the Honeymooners, if you know that show. She is the housewife who suspects her husband is cheating and will do everything to get him back. Big choices are needed to play her as funny as she needs to be. Lucille Ball is a good role model. Female

Luciana, sister to Adriana..................... This comic female role is all about taunting her sister and avoiding the affections of someone she thinks is her brother-in-law. Female with lots of physical comedy.

Dromio of Ephesus............................ Servant of Ant. Of E., who is often beaten for his troubles, but is really a dear friend of Atnipholus. It is sort of a 3 Stooges kind of love – often hit, but still loves the hitter. Male but probably played by a female.

Dromio of Syracuse........................... Servant of Ant. Of S., who is also beaten but who is still friends with the hitter. Think Pinky and the Brain – with Dromio being Pinky. Also male but probably played by a female.

Balthasar, a merchant......................... A friend of Antipholus of Ephesus. He has one really nice speech and the humor of this character is really going to be uncovered in rehearsal. Actor cast as Balthasar may also play a separate role in Act I. Probably male.

Angelo, a goldsmith........................... With the potential for lots of humor, this character has a huge shift in the course of the play from an open-hearted trusting man to a man bent on comic revenge. Male or female actor.

A Merchant........................................ This person (called 2^nd Merchant by Shakespeare) is really out to get his money from Angelo. Is he in the mafia? This character REALLY sets the drama in motion. Probably male.

Dr. Pinch............................................ This smaller role can really steal the show. This character is the quack doctor (Dottore for those who took Study of Theater), and he has a great scene where he tries to play exorcist to Antipholus of E.

Emilia................................................. This role only comes out in the end of the play in the script, but perhaps will be used much more in our version. She is the mother to the Antipholuses and the adoptive mother to the Dromios. She is a nun, but gives it all up to have Egeon back. She provides the resolution in the end of the play.

Luce, servant to Ant. of E.................. This character may be only a voice, but can be a very large, disgusting, woman that is described later by Dromio of Syracuse. She could be the source of physical humor regarding a repellant nature. Female who wants to play an over-the-top character.

A Courtesan....................................... This woman is not really a prostitute, but she’s …er…close. She may be wanting an affair with Ant. of. E, and she WANTS her gold chain! She has a great speech and lots of comic potential. Female.

The policemen.................................... These 3-5 characters may be the Keystone Cops. They may be comic FBI agents. They may be bumbling security guards. They are the authority and they don’t do their job all that well. Male or female physical comedians who will also have some dialogue.