The Dresser 1: (l to r) Norman (James Carpenter) tries to convince Sir (Ken Ruta) to get ready for his performance of King Lear in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 2: (l to r) Her Ladyship (Rachel Harker) and Norman (James Carpenter) look on with concern as (center) Sir (Ken Ruta) crowns himself King Lear in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 3: (l to r) Norman (James Carpenter) urges Sir (Ken Ruta) on stage for his entrance as King Lear in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 4: (b to f) Norman (James Carpenter) helps Sir (Ken Ruta) with his wig in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 5: (l to r) Sir (Ken Ruta) and Norman (James Carpenter) inspect the fool’s understudy Geoffrey (Julian Lopez-Morrillas) in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 7: Sir (Ken Ruta) points an angry and accusing finger in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 8: (l to r) Irene (Blythe Foster) receives a stern word from Norman (James Carpenter) in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 9: The cast, as the struggling Shakespearean troupe, prepare to go on stage for their performance of King Lear in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 10: (l to r) Norman (James Carpenter) listens as Sir (Ken Ruta) regales him with his performance in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 11: (l to r) Sir (Ken Ruta) expresses his gratitude for Madge (Lynne Soffer) in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.

The Dresser 12: (l to r) Norman (James Carpenter) consoles a not well Sir (Ken Ruta) in San Jose Repertory Theatre's The Dresser.