A Comical Evening At the Theatre

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

The Moapa Valley High School Theatre Department presented Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid” on November 15-17 in the Ronald Dalley Theatre at the school. Directed by Dr. Kenna R. Higgins, this production was an entertaining evening of levity and humor.

The story takes place in the sitting room of Monsieur Argan’s house in Paris in 1674. Hypochondriac Argan desires his daughter, Angelique, to marry Doctor Thomas Diaforus so he can receive free medical services. However, she has found her own true love, Cleante, and attempts to avoid her father’s choice at all costs.

Additionally, unbeknownst to gullible Argan, his wife, Beline, is a greedy gold digger who is patiently awaiting his death.

During the play, housemaid Toinette is one step ahead of everyone else with her quick wit. She exposes Beline’s real motives, convinces Argan to allow Angelique and Cleante to be together, and masterminds Argan’s cure.

Landon Coplan, who played Monsieur Argan was present onstage most of the evening. Coplan’s memorization was impressive as well as his portrayal of a hypochondriac, stubborn, yet unsuspecting old man.

Another standout was Morgan Geist who played Argan’s maid, Toinette. Her character was sassy, conniving, and convincing which Geist achieved pleasingly.

Madison Johnston was believable as the lovestruck daughter, Angelique, who desired to be with musical (of sorts) Cleante (Ben Kerneback).

Doctor Thomas Diaforus played by Jorja Freeman was a crowd favorite. He was an absent-minded flamboyant suitor who was uproarious to watch as he tried to conquer Angelique’s love.

Other notables were Alyssa Weeks as the deceiving wife, Beverly Potts as the shady lawyer, Abigail Jones as Argan’s hopeful father-in-law, Kaylee White as Argan’s younger daughter, and Riley Brinkerhoff as Argan’s sister.

From the moment of arrival, the mood and time period were immediately set with classical music and a view of the set decorated with furniture similarly used in the 1600s. The beautiful extravagant costumes were suited for the time period which added to the production. One of the best was Dr. Thomas Diaforus’s red velvet suit with gold trim, accompanied by his ostentatious red velvet hat, prominent black curly wig, and immense nose that only added to his idiocy.

“The Imaginary Invalid” definitely kept the audience chuckling all evening. The cast kept the audience captivated even through the unexpected ending.

“This is the culmination of our hard work coming together,” said Higgins. “One of the greatest benefits (for me) is to have my kids walk away and they have something to show for their hard work.”