In their only slightly less elegant new theater, the Lansburgh, Washington's Shakespeare Theater Company is performing a splendid version of Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid, adapted by Alan Drury. Certainly not Moliere's funniest comedy, this rather formal satirical farce is a rather didactic attack on the pretensions and hypocrisy of the medical profession in its time. It is charming and entertaining but little like the slapstick farces that recent revivals of Moliere's more popular comedies have become.
This version retains the initial ballet, Charpentier's musical interludes (vocal and instrumental), Commedia dell' Arte episodes in traditional zannis' costumes, and ranting diatribes against "medical science." For the most part it is a faithful effort to recreate the mixture of comedy, dance, music and enlightened discussion that Moliere thought the perfect mixture for his works.
Though the other costumes are characterless, Simon Higlett's sets are cleverly based on the drawings we have of the original 1673 production.
Fortunately, the title role is played by one of our best classical actors, Rene Auberjonois, a master of physical comedy, who gives this production as much genuine hilarity as is possible whenever the script permits him the chance. Generally, English director Keith Baxter, an old hand at classical repertory, keeps the large, uneven cast on track and in style.
In the introduction and balletic interludes Auberjonois plays Moliere with an elegance in contrast to his Argan, the hypochondriac old man who is alternately impish and riotously peevish when put upon. Standouts in the generally very accomplished supporting cast are Peter Land as Argan's brother who implacably distrusts all physicians and rails against medical pedantry; Nancy Robinette as Argan's saucy maidservant Toinette; and Tony Roach who acts amusingly and sings and dances impressively as Cleante, the young lover of Argan's daughter.
This is a connoisseur's pleasant evening in the theater, highlighted by a top-level comic star, and, as such, a rare treat.
Nancy Robinette & Rene Auberjonois
Rene Auberjonois
