SAN DIEGO–On February 17, 1673, Molière, the great renaissance satirist, at the age of 51, suffered a hemorrhage while on stage playing the lead character of Argan in The Imaginary Invalid. He went back on stage and finished the performance only to pass away later that evening at his home.
The Imaginary Invalid, the last play written by Molière, will be performed by the Talent to aMuse Theatre Company in June at the Liberty Theatre in National City.
While he preferred tragedies, Molière was famous for his farcical satires. He lampooned the clergy, lawyers, doctors, and the rising upper middle class mercilessly. Were it not for the favor of King Louis XIV, these “learned” men would have certainly seen him incarcerated for his comedies. It was rumored that the King would invite Molière to dine with him while the court clergy, physicians, and businessmen looked on. Molière’s final script The Imaginary Invalid was purely written for the King’s enjoyment.
This last play, considered by many, Molière’s best comedy is a satire of the medical profession. This farce is a hilarious send-up of not only the buffoonish doctors but conniving, unscrupulous lawyers, greedy scheming wives, and, of course, miserly hypochondriacs. Add in young lovers and a maid manipulating everyone and you have an evening of uproarious comedy that everyone will enjoy.
Located on the 2nd level in the Paradise Village Plaza, 2700 East 4th Street in National City, the Liberty Theatre with its comfortable seating and beautiful stage is fast becoming one of the more popular new venues in San Diego.
Performance dates for The Imaginary Invalid are June 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 30. Curtain is at 8 p.m. except on Sundays when the show will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors/military/children 12 and under.
For more information, or to make reservations call (619) 233-9407, or email to info@talenttoamuse.com.
