By Tulis McCall
Red Bull’s “Imaginary Invalid” is a perfection of a confection that will soothe the blues we are all experiencing. I PROMISE it will make you laugh. It made me laugh, and I am not a laugher. I am an observer who, when something is funny, often makes a mental not to that effect. But laugh out loud? Not so much. Wasn’t I suprised to be one of the people who nearly barked.
This is a condensed version of “Invalid” – first translated Mirabelle Ordinaire and then massaged into a new form by Jeffrey Hatcher. The lights come up and the show breaks into a gallop from the start. It never pauses, although the last third of the play sags a bit, and it never waits for us to catch up. Dawdle at your own peril for this most excellent cast is on a mission: to get to the end of the story with the many, many loose ends (illness, deception, medical quackery, romance, betrayal, arranged marriage, class warfare, legal shenanigans and every element you can think of to blend into a satire) tied up in teeny weeny bows.
The story of “The Imaginary Invalid” is exactly what it says. Argan, (Mark Linn-Baker at the top of his game) a wealthy man with too much time on his hands, spends his money on doctors who all have different opinions about the Nothing Burger that is his health. So obsessed with himself is Argan that he arranges for his daughter Angélique (an exquisite Emilie Kouatchou) to marry a soon to be doctor, Thomas Diafoirus (Russell Daniels) the son of one of Argan’s doctors of the same name. By arranging his daughter’s marriage Argan plans on having free and immediate medical care for the rest of his days. (There are three manic doctors on 24 hours duty, Dr. Diafoirus, Dr. Purgon and Dr. Fleurant – all played with exquisite precision by Arnie Burton.) The combination of Daniels and Burton is filled with nuance that shoots them into the stratosphere.
The fly in the ointment is that Angélique is in love with the empty headed but lovely Cléante (a still water John Yi) and is in cahoots with Argan’s wise-ass and the real boss of everyting maid Toinette (a snappy Sarah Stiles) to call a halt to the plan. The pair are also committed to arranging the downfall of Argan’s second wife Béline (Emily Swallow) and her paramour DeBonnefoi (Maneol Feliciano) who are a brilliant duo.
There are so many moving parts that this couldn’t be anything BUT a farce. Once the players are presented all that is left is to watch it all unwind at a brisk pace.
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.
“Imaginary Invalid” is a DELIGHT – and can we not all use a little delight right now. Give your spirits a lift and go see this Invalid.
The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger. Originally commissioned and developed by Red Bull Theater, this World Premiere adaptation is based on a new translation by Mirabelle Ordinaire.
Mark Linn-Baker, Arnie Burton, Russell Daniels, Manoel Felciano, Emilie Kouatchou, Sarah Stiles, Emily Swallow, John Yi
The creative team will include Beowulf Boritt (scenic), Tilly Grimes (costume), Mextly Couzin (lighting), Greg Pliska (sound & original music), Nina Field (sound), Lauren Page Russell (properties), Deborah Hecht (voice & speech), Rick Sordelet (action movement), and Tracy Bersley (choreography). Translator Mirabelle Ordinaire will serve as dramaturg.
At New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) for a limited Off-Broadway engagement through Sunday June 29th only.
