Laughter is the Best Medicine – The Imaginary Invalid

Jul 11, 2025 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susan Rosenbluth – Two Sues On The Aisle

“The Imaginary Invalid” at New World Stages is Red Bull Theater’s new adaptation of the classic Molière farce that first thrilled audiences in 1673. The show pokes fun at the medical industry for taking advantage of Monsieur Argan, a wealthy hypochondriac, widowed and recently remarried. Set in Argan’s chamber. The show opens with Argan sitting center-stage on a throne-like examination chair, scheming to reduce his medical bills by marrying his daughter to a doctor. This newly translated version (by Mirabelle Ordinaire), adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger, is brilliant and provides laughter as the cure for whatever ails you.

Photo credit Carol Rosegg

Molière was a French actor and playwright considered to be the greatest writer of French comedy. He wrote “The Imaginary Invalid” (also called “The Hypochondriac”) while he was ill, and ironically, he collapsed while performing the role of Argan, the hypochondriac, and died after the performance.

A farce uses buffoonery, horseplay, and improbable situations. And true to form, “The Imaginary Invalid” is filled with silliness, old-school humor with actors chasing each other out one door, and in the next, slapstick, and improbable costumes, making it laugh-out-loud funny, while appealing to the inner child in all of us with potty-humor as Argan obsesses about cleansing his system through frequent enemas, and loses feeling in his buttocks.

The Imaginary Invalid

The Plot

Argan (Mark Linn-Baker) intends to marry his daughter, Angelique (perfectly played by Emilie Kouatchou), to a doctor so he can have 24/7 medical care, but she wants to introduce him to her ‘not-too-bright suitor, Clèante (John Yi). Argan’s greedy new wife Béline (Emily Swallow) feigns devotion and concern while working with her ‘lawyer-friend’ to disinherit Angelique and gain control of the money. All the while, meddlesome and feisty housekeeper Toinette (Sarah Stiles) is aware of everything going on in the household and intercedes. It all comes together with a happily-ever-after ending.

Photo credit Carol Rosegg

Laughs

The acting was extraordinary, with perfect timing, a kismet connection. Simple facial expressions and unexpected scenarios produced waves of laughter. Emily Swallow poses perfectly, the picture of a devoted wife, who glides effortlessly across the stage, following her ‘lawyer-friend’ (Manoel Feliciano) returning moments later with her hair and make-up messed up. Arnie Burton, who plays all three doctors, masterfully and rapidly changes costumes and personalities. The funniest scene was when Argan demands to see all three at the same time.

Photo credit Carol Rosegg

Doctor-suitor Thomas (Russell Daniels) is a big man, dressed like an overgrown toddler in a child’s sailor’s suit, is afraid of blood, and relies on his father’s prompts. He was hilarious.

The incredible costumes pull the performance together, giving it a timeless quality. Costume designer Tilly Grimes did an amazing job recreating 17th-century style with a contemporary flair. Argan is dressed in green-striped pajamas, a natty nightcap, and pink velvet slippers. Clèante sports mint-green Converse high-tops, while Toinette is dressed in cargo pants, a corset, and a frilly 17th-century style collar. The set is simple, looking period appropriate yet modern with bold, bright colors.

Photo credit Carol Rosegg

A Timeless Frolic

“The Imaginary Invalid” is a classic comedy where caricature characters are entangled in a whirlwind of deception, mock-elegance, love, and duplicity. The cast breaks into the silliest songs, in true Broadway style numbers.

This is an endearing show that left us satisfied, having giggled and laughed along with the actors in a nonsensical adaptation of the classic show first performed 350 years ago.

Red Bull Theater has been revitalizing theater over the past 20 years. Thank you for making this production of “The Imaginary Invalid” possible.

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed.

“The Imaginary Invalid” received 5 Challahs

Final Performance – June 29

Running Time: 90 minutes without intermission