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Imaginary Invalid at Bas Bleu |
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Written by Maura Brady McMullen
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Thursday, 29 March 2007 |
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Bas Bleu Theatre Co. will take a break from darker theater pieces when it presents the wry and sharp humor of Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid.”
“The Imaginary Invalid,” Moliere’s last piece, is a classic farce about Argan, a wealthy Parisian merchant, who is a greedy doctor’s dream.
“Argan is, on a very basic level, a hypochondriac,” said Brian Hughes, who plays the cranky, health worrier. “He believes whatever his doctors tell him and he has absolute faith in the drugs (they give him).”
The hypochondriac concocts a brilliant scheme to wed his daughter, Angelique, to one of his physicians to have free medical attention at his every whim. Of course it wouldn’t be fun if the daughter weren’t already in love with someone else, and the calculated plans of the other characters didn’t keep the plot juicy.
“There is rich comedy going on, but there is pathos underneath,” said the play’s director, Peter Anthony.
Comedic relief is given in many doses, one of which is in the form of the “saucy, scheming maid, Toinette,” said Ailie Holland, who plays the saucy maid.
“She’s (Toinette) a little bit scheming and she oversteps her boundaries as a maid,” Holland said.
At heart, “The Imaginary Invalid” is a comedy rich with 17th century humor and, although it was written 400 years ago, Anthony believes the play still has contemporary merit.
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TO GO TO THE SHOW
Bas Bleu Theatre Co., 401 Pine St., Fort Collins
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 30 , pay-what-you-can night
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, opening night with reception
Some Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m.: May 3 and 10
All Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. through May 12
Some Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.: April 15, 22, 29 and May 6
2-for-1 Weekend: The second weekend of the run, April 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. (based on standard price — some restrictions apply)
All other performances: Regular $19, Seniors (65+) $15, Students $10 and
$5 (any show) for low-income patrons — must present Medicaid or Quest Card. Offer not valid online.
SPECIAL RATES FOR GROUPS (10+): call 498.8949 for information.
Production sponsored by KRFC FM and NEXTnc
“It’s Moliere’s commentary on greed — the doctor’s have him (Argan) hooked on drugs and they are bleeding him dry,” Anthony said. “The contemporary feel (relates) to the power of the pharmaceutical (companies) and pitching their drugs for new diseases — the point is greed.”
And while the point of greed may be a dark one, Moliere’s tone is always humorous.
“I like to think of it as a 17th century, “Fraiser” or “I Love Lucy,” said Hughes. “It’s nice to have this comedy and it’s light and you can have fun with it.” | Only registered users can write comments.
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