Molière’s final comedy, The Imaginary Invalid, does two things – it criticizes money-sucking doctors and pokes great fun at a gullible hypochondriac. Parson’s Nose Theater (PNT) is now performing a shortened and easy to understand adaptation written by Lance Davis and directed by Mary Chalon.

Argan lives in his bedroom, obsessed with imagined illnesses while paying all sorts of money to the quack Doctor Diafoirus. Argan’s daughter, Angelique, is in love with handsome Cleante, but is expected to marry the doctor’s odd son Tomas to secure free medical attention for the family. Meanwhile, Argan’s new wife Beline secretly plots his death in order to inherit his money. Only Toinette (played by Jill Rogosheske), Argan’s loyal servant, is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him safe. 

One of the things that Toinette does in the course of the story is pretend to be a visiting doctor with the intention of getting Argan to disengage from his crooked physician. The actress performs this character using an Indian accent, which honestly bothered my politically correct bone and is the only thing I would change in this production.

Davis, who is a PNT founder, strives to write adaptations of classics that can be delivered in 90 minutes, using language that can be understood by everyone in the audience. He plays Argan with great humor and with an easiness that feels organic. He is supported by seven actors, most of whom are recurring PNT company members and who share a chemistry that is palpable. 

PNT is a small theater company, performing in a small theater and without over the top fanfare as far as staging or costumes. It is, however, a great way to introduce yourself to the classics. As an audience member, you will laugh and be entertained while being exposed to a brilliant piece of literature.

Tickets for The Imaginary Invalid range from $20 to $35 and are available online at parsonsnose.org or by calling (626) 403-7667.  This production is family-friendly, recommended for ages 11 and up.

Parson’s Nose Theater is located at 95 North Marengo Ave., (entrance on Holly), Pasadena, CA 91101.

 

Full cast

Argan…………………………………………..Lance Davis*

Toinette………………………………………..Jill Rogosheske* Angelique……………………………………..Kristen Egermeier*

Monsieur Bonnefoy/Dr. Fleurant………Barry Gordon*

Beline…………………………………………..Marisa Chandler

Dr. Diafoirus………………………………….John Rafter Lee*

Tomas Diafoirus……………………………James Calvert*

Cleante……………………………………..Colin Thomas Jennings*

*Appearing through an Agreement between Parson’s Nose Theater and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

Upcoming Performance Schedule

Friday, Feb 14 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 15 at 3:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 15 at 8:00 pm

Sunday, Feb 16 at 3:00 pm

 

Friday, Feb 21 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 22 at 3:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 22 at 8:00 pm

Sunday, Feb 23 at 3:00 pm

 

Friday, Feb 28 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 29 at 3:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 29 at 8:00 pm

Sunday, Mar 1 at 3:00 pm



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