Through the whole play the Stage Manger takes on a role that is nontraditional for theatre. Usually the stage manager just sits off stage and calls the show, making sure it runs smoothly. In this play though, the Stage Manager is an actual character in the show, speaking to the audience. In Act II, he goes one step further when he portrays the soda shop owner and the minister, interacting with the characters as someone else.
“This, however, always provoked a fresh volley from his wife, so that he was fain to draw off his forces, and take to the outside of the house—the only side which, in truth, belongs to a henpecked husband.”
