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.

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.

April 30–May 2 and May 7–9 @ 7pm

May 3 and May 10 @ 2pm

The Hive Collaborative • St. Paul

Cast

Argan, a severe hypochondriac: Shannon Kennedy
Toinette, Argan’s maid: Faith Martin
Angelique, Argan’s elder daughter: Sage Green
Beline, Argan’s second wife: Andrea Eichers
Mademoiselle De Bonnefoi, a notary: Nora Persephone
Cleante, Angelique’s lover: Oracle
Dr. Diafoirus, a physician: Tom Sauer
Thomas Diafoirus, his son: Dustin Rupe
Louison, Argan’s younger daughter: Rowan Borton-Statz
Beralde, Argan’s brother: Richard Divita
Mr. Fleurant, Argan’s apothecary: Arthur Kirkland
Dr. Purgon, Argan’s physician: Bruce Bolon

Behind the Curtain

Directed by Debbie Schneider
Technical Direction: Connor Davis
Music Composer: Bruce Bolon
Promotional Artwork: Brock Ray
Script Adapted by Debbie Schneider & Connor Davis

Shannon Kennedy (Argan)

Argan has been the role of a lifetime for Shannon. It's easy to portray him as an angry, self-centered hypochondriac, but Shannon has looked for those moments when his love shines through to add depth to his persona.

Shannon has trod the boards from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Minneapolis since 1973. His most recent appearances were: Rodney, Done to Death, Applause Community Theatre; The Butler, Clue, Columbia Heights Community Theater; Sam, Ending True, Applause Community Theater; Judge Gaffney, Harvey, Columbia Heights Community Theater; Multiple Roles, The Dining Room, Fridley Community Theater.

Retired after a long career in public service, Shannon sings with the Mill City Singers and is on the Board of the Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative. He thanks his wife of 52 years, Cyril Anne, for her constant support and patience!

Faith Martin (Toinette)

Faith Martin is excited to be playing Toinette! She graduated from DMACC with her acting certificate. She has played roles such as Hermia in "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and Jenny June in "Failure: A Love Story". She has performed with applause before in their production of "Done to Death". She hopes you have a good time! Faith Martin is excited to be playing Toinette! She graduated from DMACC with her acting certificate. She has played roles such as Hermia in "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and Jenny June in "Failure: A Love Story". She has performed with Applause before in their production of "Done to Death". She hopes you have a good time!

Andrea Eichers (Béline)

Andrea Eichers is thrilled to be playing the role of Beline in Imaginary Invalid. This is her theatrical debut in Community Theater and feels so fortunate and grateful to be acting after a 20 year break. Andrea wants to thank her husband and kids for supporting her in this adventure.

Nora Persephone (Mademoiselle de Bonnefoi)

Nora is extremely excited to return to the stage. She has previously appeared with Applause Community Theatre in Done to Death and The Precious Scars, and she has previously done shows with a few different community theaters back in her home town in SD. Nora lives in Hastings with her amazing partner Arthur and their 4 kitties. She wants to thank Arthur and her friend Kimary for believing in her and encouraging her to finally get back on the stage.

Bruce Bolon (Punch and Dr. Purgon)

Bruce is very excited to continue working with Applause Community Theatre in The Imaginary Invalid, both as a cast member and a songwriter. Bruce has been a professor in the physics department at Hamline University since 2002, but has always been extremely interested in the fine arts. He teaches a course in musical acoustics, as well as one for new students on “The Classic Rock Era of Music.” He has played drums, piano or flute in many different ensembles, including marching bands, jazz bands and orchestras, but focuses primarily on composition. Last spring he hosted his sixth composition recital as part of completing a flexible curriculum degree in music theory and composition at Hamline University. Bruce has always been interested in theatre, as well, beginning with drama classes in high school. In 2006, he played piano and the part of Herod in the Hamline University production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Oracle (they/them) (Cléante)

Oracle is excited for their debut performance in the Twin Cities! After graduating from the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Institute, Oracle moved to Minneapolis where they are continuing their career as a playwright and actor. Previous roles include Dom Claude Frollo (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Mr. Peel (The Minutes), Adam (The Shape of Things), and Morales (Carmen). Enjoy the show!

Tom Sauer (Dr. Diafoirus)

Moliere is one of the great playwrights in all of history so getting the chance to stage one of his plays is really exciting and Tom is looking forward to putting on The Imaginary Invalid!

After a middling career as a high school actor, Tom took a nice long break to start a career,

get married, and have kids. Now that that’s all settled, he’s resumed his career as a mediocre adult actor. Tom has had the privilege of performing with Lakeshore Players, Desperate for Approval, and the Phipps Center, and is excited to be making his Applause Community Theater debut! He is very grateful to his family for letting him continue to play make-believe. Much love to my parents, Rachel, Abby, and Alex!

Dustin Rupe (Thomas Diafoirus)

Dustin is excited to return to the Applause stage. He works in IT by day, balancing the tech life with his artistic pursuits. He hates writing bios but loves the performing arts and the challenge that live theater presents! Thank you to Applause Community Theatre for this opportunity and to YOU the audience for supporting it. Excited to be part of this incredible group effort, Dustin looks forward to exploring more opportunities in the performing arts. Enjoy the show!

Rowan Borton-Statz (Louison)

Rowan is delighted to be in this play because she love making people laugh and this is the perfect part to exhaust her folly; Louison is like a timeless young girl stereotype. Rowan is delighted to perform in her first Applause show at the Hive stage. Notable credits include It’s an Honorable Life (Zuzu, 2024 & 2025) at the Mounds Theatre, and Twelfth Night (Feste, 2026) with Locally Grown Theatre. When not performing, she attends middle school in St. Paul, and loves watching Star Trek and anime.

Richard Di Vita (Béralde)

Richard is delighted to be a part of this historical and hysterical production and derives no greater pleasure in acting the part of Argan's sassy brother, putting it up there with his roles as Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, and as the silly juror in Twelve Angry Men.