Review Roundup: Red Bull Theater's THE IMAGINARY INVALID

RED BULL THEATER is presenting the Off-Broadway production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger, the team that created the acclaimed comedies The Government Inspector and The Alchemist. Originally commissioned and developed by Red Bull Theater, this World Premiere adaptation is based on a new translation by Mirabelle Ordinaire.

Mark Linn-Baker and Sarah Stiles lead the cast, along with Arnie Burton, Russell Daniels, Manoel Felciano, Emilie Kouatchou, Emily Swallow, and John Yi.

In Molière’s best loved comedy, Monsieur Argan is a notorious hypochondriac whose nonexistent illnesses blind him to the con men and women (his new wife) who prey on his fears to fatten their purses. His plan: marry his daughter to a doctor so he'll have free round-the-clock on-site healthcare for the rest of his life. Newly translated by Mirabelle Ordinaire and adapted for Red Bull by Jeffrey Hatcher, The Imaginary Invalid is a brilliant satire of doctors, lawyers, and would-be patients who take self-care to staggering levels of pathological solipsism.  A comic whirlwind of pills, lovers, therapies, disguises, vaccinations, impersonations, masks, mindfulness and miracle cures.

Check out what the critics are saying about the play...

David Finkle, New York Stage Review: They all deserve to be singled out, Linn-Baker foremost as buffoonish Argan. He’s especially pleased with Argan’s enemas and regular posterior massaging events. Burton, playing his three parts and as the action proceeds having to make quick and then quicker changes, has the showiest assignment(s). His seen-it-all attitude as Dr. Purgon is particularly amusing. Daniels—dressed by costumer Tilly Grimes as what resembles Humpty Dumpty going to a birthday party for six-year-olds—gets giggles simply by standing still. Stiles’ knowing looks are attention-getters. Okay, safe to say they’re all outstanding.

Juliet Hindell, Exeunt: As farces should, the action ratchets up with more madcap medical moments and a good deal of mistaken identity, rampant implausibility, and fast opening and closing of doors. Jesse Berger’s direction is pitch perfect throughout. It all adds up to a happy ending and a joyful, cathartic romp that refreshes an old classic with style, sass, and jokes that have stood the test of time, proving that laughter is never out of fashion.

Deb Miller, DC Theater Arts: If you believe, as advertised, that “laughter is the best medicine,” don’t miss this laugh-out-loud production of The Imaginary Invalid to get your hefty, healthy dose; it’s sure to provide some effective relief from the malaise of Molière’s times and ours.

Matthew Wexler, 1 Minute Critic: The Imaginary Invalid, much like Molière’s other works, explores social structures and infidelity through satire and exaggerated physicality (there’s lots of enema jokes and butt massages). While there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, as a whole, the company doesn’t necessarily deliver a remedy for the dark times we’re living in, but it’s a pleasant enough painkiller. And at 85 minutes, there’s no fear of suffering from Argan’s diagnosis of glutial amnesia (aka dead butt).

Tulis McCall, Front Row Center: The combination of talents has achieved a comic lift-off that is precise and surprising. This is a very smart script. Hatcher may have taken a page or two from the style of Coel Escola’s “Oh Mary” – which is a compliment to both authors. Just when you think you have a handle on the proceedings, they spring a new plot twist on you. Not only a new plot twist but several costume changes along with the requite exits and entrances that make your head spin.

Elyse Trevers, Stage Buddy: “The Imaginary Invalid” has possibilities and does get some laughs from the audience. Yet It feels like the play needs more rehearsal or tighter direction from Jesse Berger. In some instances, the character delivers a line and it takes the audience an extra beat to ‘get it.’ Some of what was supposed to be funny fell a bit flat.

Brian Scott Lipton , Cititour: Some of the show’s most farcical elements would work better on a much larger stage, but Berger is an inventive director, making especially good use of a big chair that sits continuously on center stage. Sadly, the show’s energy does occasionally flag, but then there is some bit or plot complication to bring the show back to life. Still, we need all the diversions we can get in these troubling times, and since laughter is still the best medicine, grab a ticket to “The Imaginary Invalid.”

Ron Fassler, Theater Pizzazz: Jesse Berger’s direction is sure-fire, and all the performances are good, though Mark Linn-Baker’s Argan could have been a bit more menacing to my taste. Known for a certain cuddliness, he misses the tyrant at the center of the character, which makes it feel like a missed opportunity to provide more tension to heighten the stakes. Emilie Kouatchou is charmingly vivacious as Angélique and Sarah Stiles makes a meal of the randy Toinette’s unflappability. When she’s called upon to sing, she fills the small New World Stage with her large voice.

Average Rating: 77.5%