A greedy narcissist, a forbidden romance, and a secret plot all set the scene for The Marymount Players’ production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière. The main character, Argan, is a fearful and miserable hypochondriac who lives a life of summoning doctors while trying to only pay half the bill. He decides that he has no choice but to marry off his eldest daughter Angelica to the buffoon son of a great physician; however, Argan does not realize that Angelica has already fallen in love with Cléante, a handsome young man who wants to marry her. Meanwhile, Argan’s second wife and stepmother to his two daughters, has a plan of her own; she plots to send Angelica and her younger sister Louise to a convent and obtain the rights to all of Argan’s money when he dies. The hilariously insane events within the household create exciting drama between physicians, a maid, an apothecary, and a lawyer who all take part in the madness and mischief.

This three-act play not only contains the story of Argan and his life, but also two exciting interludes: a chilling nightmare surgery sequence and the classic comical puppet characters Punch and Judy. These compelling interludes give audiences a different perspective into the mind of Argan and the strange yet interesting situations he imagines for himself.  

Senior Kimia Simab, a Marymount Player and the Performing Arts Team Leader, claims that her favorite part of the play process has been “working with other people to create something beautiful.” The hard work and collaboration continues to excite director Claire Hackett, who comments, “I chose the Imaginary Invalid as a result of a student’s suggestion. And because it is a classic piece, it is very funny and gives a great opportunity for students to work very clear, fun characters.” With the help of Marymount’s beloved costume designer Ela Jo Erwin, fourteen Marymount Players, five production assistants, eleven crew-members, and production manager Will North, Cantwell continues to buzz with excitement for the Friday November 6th, Saturday November 7th and Sunday November 8th shows.