Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid” April 23 – May 1 Berea College Theatre season finale

4/16/10

The Berea College Theatre Laboratory will offer its final production of the season, Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid,” on April 23, 24, 28-30 and May 1, 2010. This comedy, first performed in 1673 with Moliere himself in the title role, has been newly translated by Dan Smith with a modern adaptation by Constance Congdon. It tells the story of Argan Geronte, a super-hypochondriac, who, in an effort to get free health care, decides to marry off his daughter, Angelique, to a soon-to-be physician, Claude de Aria. However, the daughter has other ideas and, instead, wants to marry the man she loves. The situation has it foils, Argan’s wife, and Angelique’s stepmother, Beline and the not-so-reputable notary, Monsieur de Bonnefoi, who are teaming to get Argan’s money signed over to Beline before Argan dies. The whole story is moved forward, in typical Moliere fashion, by the scheming servant, Toinette, who manages to thwart the scheming Beline and connect the young lovers, Angelique and Cleante.

“The Imaginary Invalid” is directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Dr. Velicia Daniels and is her Berea College directing debut. Designing the costumes is Berea veteran designer Mary Ann Shupe. Scenic and lighting designs are by Professor of Theatre Shan R. Ayers. Thomas Usher, a Berea College theatre alumnus now serving as a visiting artist, has written several original music pieces to underscore portions of the production. Dr. Susan Spalding, Professor of Physical Education and Dance, has choreographed the dances. Rounding out the design team is sophomore theatre major, Dani Jo West who has designed the makeup and wigs for this comedy.

Cast members include Anthony Nathan as Argan, Stephanie Radford as Beline, Katherine Newquist as Angelique, David Bellnier as Cleante, Ryan Camenisch as Claude de Aria, Shawn Bruce as Doctor Purgeon, Emmanuel Zipson as Fleurant the Apothecary, Nicholas Kaiser as Monsieur de Bonnefoi and Ashley French as Toinette. Chorus members include Ethan Beverly, Sally Christopher, Lacey-Lynn Gresham, Anna Stukenberg and Ashley White.

Tickets are available at the Berea College Theatre Laboratory Box Office, 859-985-3300, Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults; $8 senior citizen and non-BereaCollege students; $5 children age 12 and under. Berea College students are admitted free of charge with ID, as part of their annual activities fee.

CONTACT:

Prof. Shan Ayers, director
Berea College Theatre Laboratory (859)985-3426
Shan_Ayers@berea.edu

Bookmark