Furman Theatre presents Molière comedy

Dr. Jay Oney plays title role, Argan

The Furman University Theatre will present Molière’s “The Imaginary Invalid” April 2-5 and April 10-12 at 8 p.m., with a matinee at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 6. All shows are performed in the Furman Playhouse on campus.

Tickets are available at the Theatre Box Office beginning March 31. Prices are $16 general admission, $13 for seniors, and $8 for students.

The plays of the 17th century French comic genius Molière are more familiar to us today as elegant, rhymed translations of such masterpieces as “Tartuffe” and “School for Wives.” As a young writer and actor, however, Molière toured the French countryside and learned from the improvisational masters of the great Italian comedy troupes.

In his final play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” Molière returns to the slapstick comedy of his youth to depict the misadventures of bumbling doctors and gullible patients. Eberle Thomas’s translation re-introduces us to a more conversational and funny Molière, who is unlike the formal satirist we’ve come to expect. “The Imaginary Invalid,” soothes our concerns about health care and age with medicinal laughter spawned by good-natured, pungent, and timely humor.

Furman Theatre Professor Rhett Bryson, M.F.A, directs the play and designs sound. Alan Bryson is lighting and scenic designer, and plays the role of Doctor Purgon. Costumes are designed by senior theatre major Callie Nestleroth.

Professor Jay Oney, Ph.D., plays the title role of Argan. Student cast members are:

Beline, Argan’s second wife: Clare Ruble

Angelique, Argan’s daughter: Haley Brown

Louison, Argan’s younger daughter: Erin Barnett

Beralde, Argan’s brother: Sam Feigenbaum

Cleante, Angelique’s suitor: Dakota Adams

Doctor Diafoirus, Sr.: Sal Donzella

Thomas Diafoirus, doctor’s son: Sam Nelson

Monsieur Fleurant, the apothecary: Rusty Johnson

Monsieur Bonnefoi, the notary: Robert “Bobbo” Fuson

Toinette, the maid: Kenzie Wynne

For ticket information and reservations, call the Theatre Box Office at 864-294-2125.