By Jennifer Andelin
Sickness prevails during the winter, but Avonlea Theater Company‘s The Imaginary Invalid at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork, Utah shows that laughter really can be the best medicine. The play was originally written as a comedic ballet by Molière over 300 years ago. Teresa Gashler and Joey Calkins get rid of the tutus and adapt this play to be more modern and concise (cut from a four hour production to an hour and a half) based on the translation by Charles Heron Wall and the edition by Camille Saint-Saëns.
Stage manager Steve Whitehead and Technical Director Sarah Hinckley allow the adapted story to seamlessly unfold by creating a more modern set and atmosphere. Various props have double meanings and are cleverly chosen. I especially enjoyed the pre-show music. It plays as if from an old time radio and is a personal touch from Calkins, who also directed the show. He shares in an after show question and answer session that the songs he chose were ones that help him with his anxiety and other mental health struggles. The Imaginary Invalid in its modern conception can be viewed as satirical commentary on mental illness.
The play focuses on Argan (played by Gary Taylor) who is a hypochondriac and whose desires to stay “sick” complicate family relationships. Taylor immediately sets the tone for the play with his opening monologue. His matter-of-fact attitude about his unknown condition is powerfully portrayed by Taylor’s confidence onstage. Chelsea Tramell is just as bold in her portrayal as the faithful family servant Toinette. She specifically uses exaggerated sarcasm throughout the production to feature the play’s satire. The duo are the driving forces of the play. Their energy and presence keep the story moving and tie the other cast members to the main storyline.
While the dancing has been cut from the production, Taylor, Tramell, and the rest of the cast throw their whole bodies into their roles making for some great melodramatic, slapstick moments. My 13-year-old son and I enjoyed the facial expressions, clever asides, and well-timed, explosive reactions between characters. In particular, we love the scene where lovers Angélique (Anne Knighton) and Cléante (Jacob Pohlsander) meet Thomas Diafoirus (Jason Nordin) and his father Dr. Diafoirus (Matthew DelaFuente). The scene is hilariously awkward and the cast continue to flesh out their characters with the exact mannerisms my son imagines they would have. He couldn’t stop laughing. Nordin and DelaFuente especially do a fantastic job of hamming it up. In other acts, they play more than one role, and their various characters similarly accentuate each other and crescendo the comedic effect. Also of note is Knighton and Pohlsander have a musical number during this scene which is not only humorous, but also very well executed—they have lovely voices.
Miriam Fry is the youngest member of the cast and plays Argan’s youngest daughter Louison. She helps to soften the more intense moments by her playful attitude and cleverly mirrors Argan’s childish approach to getting his way by pretending. In contrast, Nola Smith who plays Argan’s sister, Béralde, is the voice of reason and wit as she cleverly jabs at Argan’s condition. As for the story’s villain, Rebeckah Davis wickedly plays Argan’s wife, Béline. Davis’ subtle movements and quiet expressions contrast nicely to the rest of the cast’s boisterous presence and are key to understanding the real problems that Argan faces.
The Imaginary Invalid is a family friendly show that celebrates Avonlea Theater Company’s first anniversary of presenting local playwright productions. The show’s closing night also coincides with Molière‘s death, which ironically happened after he collapsed playing Argan. Show Molière and the Avonlea Theater Company some love this month by seeing The Imaginary Invalid at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork. It’s comedy that has literally lasted for centuries and you won’t see anywhere else.
Avonlea Theater Company presents The Imaginary Invalid, written by Molière, adapted by Teresa Gashler and Joey Calkins.
Angelus Theatre, 165 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT, 84660
January 31 – February 17, 2020 Mon, Fri, & Sat at 7:30 PM (Pre-show at 7:00 PM)
Tickets: $9-11, Family Pass (2 adults and 4 kids) available for $40
Contact: 801-358-8134
Avonlea Theater Company website
Avonlea Theater Facebook Page
The Imaginary Invalid Facebook Event Page
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