The Imaginary Invalid

"I attended Southeastern's production of The Imaginary Invalid and watched the entire play."

We took our seats at around 7:15pm and waited for the moment when the play would begin. It wasn't but five minutes before the production began that I noticed colorfully dressed girls prancing around and finding their way through the audience. There were blondes and brunettes, short and tall, all wearing short dresses and leggings with nothing that seemed to match but still came together for a perfectly odd outfit. One bubbly blonde with curly pigtails sat in front of us and played with another girl's hair. I sat watching these hysterical characters interacting with the audience, yet not using any words; it was much like a pantomime show. The lights dimmed; it was time for the show.

The colorful ladies took their place on stage, scattered between the upstairs and downstairs rooms. Argan, the imaginary invalid, was the first to appear on stage, reading through his list of expensive medical procedures. We soon learn that he has two daughters, a second wife, and a hilarious housekeeper. One of his daughters, Angelique, is in love with Cleante; but before Cleante has the opportunity to ask her father for her hand in marriage, another father-son duo does the job. They are out for his money and planned the scheme only to get to her father's wealth. By the end of the play, the housekeeper, Toinette, helps to plot a clever intervention on Angelique's behalf. Argan becomes his own doctor and Angelique gets to be with the man she loves.

I really enjoyed this play. It reminded me of how much talent we have here at Southeastern. The cast, the set up crew, and the media crew all did a fantastic job. Props to Mr. Dixon for putting together such an awesome production. Although I'm not really sure why the colorful dancers were in the play, it really added a lot to the production and was probably one of my favorite parts. I also loved Toinette the housekeeper. The only thing I didn't like about the play was how late it ended; the play began at 7:30 and lasted until 10:00, including the intermission. It would have been nice if it began at 6pm. However, I would say that I am overall very well pleased with The Imaginary Invalid.