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. 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.
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.”
“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.
| 1917 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 1967 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
Videos