Melchlor Lengyel's comedy "Sancho Panza," based on an episode of Corvantes' famous novel, and now playing at the Colonial Theatre is most appropriate with its good-natured political satire and its refreshing common sense. Sancho, while governor of the Island of Barataria, deals out justice after the manner of Solomon; sparkling epigrams fall from his lips in scores; his plans for preserving peace are extraordinarily like those of the winner of the Bok Peace Prize, although simpler and some-what more practicable. But withal, the strain of governing is too much for his kindly soul, he gladly relinquishes the throne to the true Duke who, we are made to feel, has learned a valuable lesson during Sancho's brief reign.

Otis Skinner's characterization of the noted Sancho is remarkable for its ease and simplicity. Always laughable and sometimes exceedingly comical he has an unassuming dignity and a natural shrewdness that instantly win over the grumbling people of Barataria; in the final scene his popularity protects him from the machinations of the ambitious nobles, who seek to usurp the crown. In his comedy parts he is substantially aided by Robert Rosaire, who has the strenuous role of Dapple, Sancho's beloved donkey. But the entire east is a strong one; the performance is smooth and finished, the scenes are spectacular and interesting.

We find it hard to leave Sancho's healthy philosophy so soon. It is emphasized by the attitude of one Father Hyacinth who represents quite another view. When the plan to murder the Duke, seize his daughter and take his throne is first revealed in the little circle of plotters, one of the less hardened rebels inadvertently exclaims, "May God forgive us," whereupon Father Hyacinth remarks, "Oh, He will--I can arrange that." It is therefore surprising to find Sancho advocating tax reduction, an eight-hour day and the World Court at a time when the priests still thought they constituted an Election Committee to the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to see and enjoy "Sancho Panza" without troubling one's head in the least about politics. No doubt Lengyel dreamed of the perfect state when he wrote the play; doubtless he hoped it would have some effect in bringing it about, but so well did he sugar his lesson with pure drama and comedy that many will appreciate the one without recognizing the other.