by Stew Mosberg

If laughter is the best medicine, then “The Imaginary Invalid” is just what the doctor ordered.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin “Molière” left behind a body of work that changed the face of French classical comedy and influenced dramatists forever more. One of theater’s greatest satirists, Molière was also an actor and director. The author of numerous plays still performed today, he died in 1673 at the age of 49 while playing the lead role in “The Imaginary Invalid.” The French farce reflects the sick and dying Molière’s own loss of faith with the medical profession.

Just the Facts What: “The Imaginary Invalid,” Moliere’s 17th century French comedy performed by the Fort Lewis College Theatre Department When: 7:30 p.m., April 12-14 Where: FLC Mainstage Theater For info. and tickets: durangoconcerts.org

Currently being performed on Fort Lewis College’s main stage, the show may be worth seeing for its historical value alone, but “The Imaginary Invalid,” is also lively entertainment and hilariously good fun. It isn’t hard to imagine 17th century French audiences doubling over with laughter and it’s a safe bet that Durango audiences will not be any different.

Santa Fe thespian and acting coach Rima Miller is this semester’s visiting instructor for the Department of Theatre’s Guest Artist Series. The series provides students with the opportunity to work and interact with world-class practitioners.

The Commedia dell’arte Miller chose to focus on while here is an Italian form of comedy dating back to the 16th century. “The physical comedy we do today,” she points out, “comes from that era (as) does slapstick and vaudeville. I don’t think a lot of colleges are doing this kind of training in physical comedy.”

While instructing students in the distinctive form, she also held regular classes to train them physically as well. “I’m teaching basics of that style of acting; how to use the body in a funny way,” she says. “That requires learning timing, movement
and how to relate to the audience.”

 

Explaining why and how Miller was invited to be this year’s guest artist, Theatre Department Chair Kathryn Moller said, Miller was chosen based on her passion and skill. “This is an experience our students will always remember and use,” Moller says. “This clearly gives them an advantage in their future career journeys.”

The actors learned their lessons well and it brings hilarity to what would otherwise be the simplest of activities. You might not think sipping from a straw, sitting in a chair or lying in a bed could be so funny, but Mary Quinn, playing the lead “male” role of Ardin, keeps the laughs coming. On stage almost the entire show, Quinn is outstanding, and it is hard to take your eyes off of her; which is not to say the other performers are less entertaining. As Toinette, the house maid and caregiver, Erin O’Connor keeps the action and plot line moving. She too, is a master of physical comedy and a joy to watch.

The two-act play is performed by 12 actors in sumptuous, and in some cases, comical costumes, all lovingly crafted by Jane Gould and topped by flouncy wigs based on classic old-world French farce. The cast is accompanied by four musicians who, like a Greek chorus, sit at the side of the action and produce sound effects and charmingly appropriate music. In addition to the live performances, diverse music from pop to classical play an integral part in the production.

Miller believes the score helps the audience identify with the play, and she anticipates people will, “Go home singing and laughing.”
As performed by FLC’s actors, the structure of “The Imaginary Invalid” removes the invisible wall between the audience and the actors, allowing everyone to be in on the joke.

The entrance of Beline, Ardin’s conniving wife, is perfectly wrought by Jelani Perkins and, like Quinn’s gender-bending performance, he takes over the stage whenever he is in the action.

Miller allowed props and musical anachronisms to filter into the play, but they work so well they are easily accepted and become an equal part of the humor. With more than a dozen performers, it is difficult to list them all here, but without exception they are a great ensemble. Miller says a cast that clicks is important in the proper execution of comedy. “You cannot do comedy without absolute honesty and clear intention. This is why it is the most difficult style of acting; nothing can be hidden. The director has to create an ensemble that works together,” she says. “What you (will see) is not only good acting but also good team work, which is key.”

The story focuses on Ardin, the hypochondriac patriarch of an aristocratic family and his desire to marry off his eldest daughter to a doctor.

 

In doing so, he believes he could have readily available medical attention and easy access to a supply of elixirs. While the final outcome might be predictable, there is an ironic resolution to all the problems presented, ending with Moliere’s satirical jab at the medical profession.

It is well worth the short trip up the hill to see this show, and odds are you will feel a whole lot better for having done so.
 

FLC’s Guest Artist program is supported by The Gay & Lesbian Fund of Colorado, Durango Friends of the Arts, Ballantine Family Fund, Fort Lewis College Foundation and Fort Lewis College Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.