Sarah Stiles, Mark Linn-Baker (Photo: Carol Rosegg

The Imaginary Invalid

By Fern Siegel

Molière's 17th-century comedy The Imaginary Invalid is a satirical send-up of doctors, hypochondriacs, lovers and con men. In its latest production off-Broadway at New World Stages, an excellent cast, a 21st-century adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, and director Jesse Berger keep the pace and the laughs lively.

There is even a nod to Groucho Marx and Les Mis in the 90-minute, no-intermission production.

Monsieur Argan (Mark Linn-Baker) is a crazy hypochondriac whose obsession with illness is so severe, he's determined to marry his daughter Angélique (Emilie Kouatchou) to an incompetent doctor (Russell Daniels) to secure 24/7 care. A narcissist, he ignores her desire to wed Cléane (John Yi), blinded by physicians who prescribe pointless cures (played by the talented Arnie Burton) and a new wife (Emily Swallow) more consumed by her own machinations than morality.

Such selfishness makes for an excellent romp, while targeting greedy doctors still scores with modern-day audiences. Of special note is feisty maid Toinette (Sarah Stiles.) Her ability to stand up to her demanding employer, while revealing chicanery and helping Angélique find true love, is sheer delight.

What's fun is the barbs the playwright hurls at rich men like Argan, who want services for free, and the greed of lawyers (Manoel Feliciano) eager to defraud their clients on behalf of themselves.

While The Imaginary Invalid is perfect for actors adept at farce, Molière's comedy zings both human frailties and society's preoccupation with money and status. In the 17th century, doctors were not held in the esteem they are today. But it remained a lucrative profession, especially with patients such as Argan, who demanded attention and medicines for imagined illnesses.

Arnie Burton, Russell Daniels (Photo: Carol Rosegg)

Originally a three-act comedy, Red Bull Theater's production nixes the usual two-plus hours, often with dance or musical interludes. This incarnation has been trimmed for length. Here, the musical parodies are shorter but land. That's a wise decision, as the adaptation is geared to contemporary theatergoers who favor accessible language and speed. Still, Invalid entertains - and its themes still resonate.

Linn-Baker is wonderful as the egomaniacal Argan. Swallow's exaggerated moves are perfect for the scheming wife; so is her partner-in-deceit, Feliciano. Kouatchou's innocence is nicely played as both goofy and honest. "With some people, real love and make-believe look the same," she notes. Daniels as the bumbling nephew/would-be doctor, and Yi's ardent lover hit the right notes in a cast that clicks. All are aided by Tilly Grimes costumes and Beowulf Boritt's set, which evoke France, 1673. The show is fast and fun - the cast is blessed with comic timing.

This play was Molière's last - and reflects, much like Tartuffe, another of his popular plays, his gift for lampooning hypocrisy. In Invalid, Moliere himself played the title role of Argan; he died soon after his fourth performance. Luckily for us, the work endures as a reminder that self-interest and professional exploitation flourish in every age.

The Imaginary Invalid,

New World Stages, 340 W. 50^th St.

Running Time: 80 minutes, no intermission

Through June 29

Tickets: www.newworldstages.com/