Reputations are a funny thing. At least, Molière thought so when he wrote the comedy The Doctor in Spite of Himself. Now the Protean Theatre Company present their adaptation of the classic at New York City's Philip Bosakowski Theatre Dec. 18-30.

The rep in question is that of Sganarelle, who is mistaken to be the finest doctor in the world. The problem is that he is actually just a drunken woodcutter. The comedy ensues as his clientele and pockets grow faster than his knowledge of medicine.

Owen Thompson directs his adaptation of the Molière play with a translation by Guylaine Laperriere. The cast include Gregory Couba, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, John Grace and David Hamilton. The production also features set and lighting design by Rych Curtiss [sic] and costumes by Jennifer Moeller.

Previous productions by the Protean Theatre company have included The London Cuckolds (which is being remounted in March), George Bernard Shaw's Fictitious History and a current touring production of Romeo and Juliet.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved at (212) 290-1595. The Bosakowski Theatre is located at 354 West 45th Street (between 8th and 9th). For more information on the show, visit the Protean website at www.proteantheatre.com. — by Ernio Hernandez