The Imaginary Invalid

 The Imaginary Invalid
Red Bull Theater
New World Stages
June 14, 2025

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Molière’s The Imaginary Invalid is light, silly, and a lot of fun.  The Red Bull Theater production is sharp and stylistic.  Director Jesse Berger has gathered a diverse and stellar cast, who keeps the timing tight and evenly paced.  Their characters are clean and crisp.  The action drives the humor, and it all ends on a joyous high point. 

Argan (played by Mark Linn-Baker) is a hypochondriac.  To save on his doctor bills, he decides that his daughter, Angelique (played by Emilie Kouatchou) will marry Thomas Diafoirus (played by Russell Daniels), the son of one of his three physicians (all played by Arnie Burton).  Argan is unaware that Angelique has accepted the marriage proposal of Clèante (played by John Yi).  Argan’s maid, Toinette (played by Sarah Stiles) takes Angelique’s side on her decision to go against her father’s wishes.  This makes Argan decide to disinherit his daughter and leave all his money to his second wife, Bèline (played by Emily Swallow).  Toinette comes up with a plan to make Argan see the error in his decision before the lawyer, De Bonnefoi (played by Manoel Feliciano), who is also Bèline’s secret lover, notarizes Agran’s revised will. 

Mark Linn-Baker & Sarah Stiles
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

From the very start of the show, Mark Linn-Baker captures the audience’s attention.  His comic timing
keeps them empathetic to his situation throughout the ninety-minute performance.  He has an excellent connection with Sarah Stiles.  Ms. Stiles’ portrayal of Toinette is dry and sarcastic, while Mr. Linn-Baker’s Argan is boisterous and demanding.  Together they drive the action.  Arnie Burton creates the roles of three different doctors.  His characters are daring and distinct.  His quick changes and comic delivery are highly entertaining.  Emilie Kouatchou and John Yi are perfect together as Angelique and Clèante.  Ms. Kouatchou’s character is determined and self-assured, while Mr Yi’s is flighty and self-absorbed.  Bold and hilarious performances are also delivered by Russell Daniels, Manoel Feliciano, and Emily Swallow. 

The Full Cast of The Imaginary Invalid
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation is skillfully crafted, merging Molière’s plot with present day references and clever lyrics to Broadway show tunes.  The scenic design, by Beowulf Boritt, draws the audience into Molière’s setting and time period with bright colors and a witty flair.  The costumes by Tilly Grimes are a perfect blend of period, character, and social commentary.

The Imaginary Invalid is playing at New World Stages through June 29.  You need to see this light and silly comedy.  Get a ticket before it closes! 

Domenick Danza

The Changeling

The Changeling

Red Bull Theater

Lucille Lortel Theatre

December 31, 2015

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The Changeling, the Renaissance tragedy set in Spain, is remounted by Red Bull Theatre and presently playing in the West Village at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.  Jesse Berger boldly directed this dark and graphic tale of love and murder.  If you enjoy well done, classic theatre set in the time period in which it was written, this production is for you.  The characters are all genuinely driven by their desire and swallowed up by the fate they initiate for themselves.

Sara Topham & Christian Coulson
Photo by Carol Rosegg
Courtesy of Red Bull Theater

When Beatrice-Joanna (played by Sara Topham) meets the noble Alsemero (played by Christian Coulson), they fall immediately in love.  She is so overtaken that she plots with her father’s servant, DeFlores (played by Manoel Felciano), to murder Alonzo (played by John Skelley), to whom her father has previously betrothed her.  Unbeknownst to Beatrice-Joanna, DeFlores sees this as an opportunity to bond himself to her and demand what his heart desires, her maidenhood and loyalty. 

Christopher McCann &Andrew Weems
Photo by Carol Rosegg
Courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The subplot of the play takes place in “a madhouse resembling Bedlam, or Bethlehem Hospital, the famous London institution for the incarceration and ‘cure’ of madmen and fools.”*  This setting adds disorder, chaos, and comic relief to the darkness of the main plot, while deepening the level of intrigue and lunacy.  Actors Bill Army, Phillipe Bowgen, Christopher McCann, Michelle Beck, and Andrew Weems realistically create this locale and level of mayhem.

The entire cast is superb.  Each character is clearly developed with a strong sense of setting and time period.  They all deliver the classic language, which is Red Bull’s specialty, with natural comfort and expertise.  The set, costumes, and lighting (by Marion Williams, Beth Goldenberg, and Peter West) create an authentic atmosphere.  Choreography, by Tracy Bersley, in the opening of the first and second act clearly and skillfully sets up the action and pace for what follows.

Photo by Carol Rosegg
Courtesy of red Bull Theater

This is my first experience with Red Bull Theater.  They are “dedicated to the presentation  of vital and imaginative productions of heightened language plays and to the development of new plays written in a similar vein.  With the Jacobean plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries as its cornerstone, Red Bull Theatre engages the intellect and imagination of today’s theatergoers through intimate and evocative staging of great classic stories.”*  If The Changeling is an example of the quality of their work, I look forward to seeing future productions.  It runs at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through January 24.  Check it out!

Domenick Danza

*These quotes come directly from Red Bull Theater’s program for The Changeling.