​​​​​​​The Imaginary Invalid

by Molière  •  Directed by Debbie Schneider​

In this raucous production of Molière’s classic satire, Argan, a hypochondriac convinced he is constantly on the brink of death, schemes to marry his daughter to a doctor in order to secure free healthcare. Surrounded by a parade of questionable physicians, endless treatments, and opportunists eager to profit from his fears, Argan becomes the center of a household increasingly fed up with his medical obsessions.

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But Argan’s daughter has other plans—namely, marrying for love rather than prescription privileges. With the help of a clever servant and a few well-timed schemes, the family sets out to expose the absurdity of Argan’s fears and the self-important doctors who encourage them.

 

Packed with sharp wit, physical comedy, and larger-than-life characters, The Imaginary Invalid gleefully skewers medical fads, professional ego, and the universal tendency to catastrophize every sniffle. Written more than 350 years ago, Molière’s final play still feels surprisingly modern—and proves that some anxieties (and quack cures) never go out of style.​

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April 30–May 2 and May 7–9 @ 7pm

May 3 and May 10 @ 2pm 

The Hive Collaborative • St. Paul