La Mancha

Cockpit in Court has dubbed its 20th anniversary season "the possible dream" -- a reworked reference to the best known song from its opening musical, "The Man of La Mancha." However, due to uneven casting, the dream remains merely possible, instead of fully realized.Ironically, the performer who sings "The Impossible Dream" is chiefly responsible for keeping this production's dream from coming true. For even though lead actor Gilbert Polt rallies when it comes time to sing this big number, he is neither sufficiently compelling nor charismatic in the dual roles of Don Quixote and Cervantes.

Cockpit in Court has dubbed its 20th anniversary season "the possible dream" -- a reworked reference to the best known song from its opening musical, "The Man of La Mancha." However, due to uneven casting, the dream remains merely possible, instead of fully realized.Ironically, the performer who sings "The Impossible Dream" is chiefly responsible for keeping this production's dream from coming true. For even though lead actor Gilbert Polt rallies when it comes time to sing this big number, he is neither sufficiently compelling nor charismatic in the dual roles of Don Quixote and Cervantes.

Washington -- To deluded Don Quixote, all that glitters is truly gold. But the Broadway-bound revival of "Man of La Mancha," now at the National Theatre, has a glitter deficit.For this musical rendition of Cervantes' classic to succeed, the audience must share Quixote's sparkling vision. However, despite an ennobling performance by Raul Julia in the title role, the overall production is lackluster. And for a show whose basic theme is idealism, lackluster is a serious offense.The casting of the leading lady is an ideal example.

The comptroller of Garrett County Community College has been arrested on felony theft charges after more than $3,600 in sales from a college theater production last spring was discovered missing.The comptroller, John F. Culp, submitted his resignation to the college last week. He could not be reached for comment yesterday. Mr. Culp was arrested by the Garrett County Sheriff's office Tuesday and released on his own recognizance.A financial audit earlier this month could not account for $3,651 in receipts from GCC's spring production of "The Man of La Mancha," which the drama department forwarded for deposit butwas never sent to the bank, the auditors said.

Here we are at the start of another month. March has been the traditional time for kite flying, leprechauns and daffodils, not to mentionspring soccer, lacrosse and baseball practices.On top of the oldstandbys, the Easter bunny and spring break will be making an appearance this month.So relax and take a deep breath before looking at your calendar. It will get better, or so the old sages tell me.*Travel to the sunny, wind-swept hills of 16th-century Spain this weekend as the Drama Club of Northeast High School presents a revival of the musical "Man of La Mancha."