Shorter University Theatre will present “The Imaginary Invalid” April 21-24 at Callaway Theatre. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee scheduled for 2 p.m.

General admission tickets are $15; tickets for senior adults and students are $10. For tickets, call the Shorter University box office at 706-233-7288 or email boxoffice@shorter.edu.

“The Imaginary Invalid” is a three-act play by the French playwright Molière. The play tells the story of Argan, a rich man who is an over-the-top hypochondriac. He has decided to marry off his eldest daughter, Angélique, to a young doctor from a family of doctors so that he may have free medical care. She, however, is in love with another young man, Cléante.

When Angélique refuses to marry his choice, Argan gives her four days to agree or he will send her to the convent. Comedy follows as Cléante, Toinette the maid and Argan’s brother, Beralde, all try to change his mind. Eventually he finds out, while pretending to be dead, whether his new wife is only in the marriage for the money and whether his daughter truly loves him.

“I have been teaching ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ in my theatre history class for quite a while and have been wanting to direct it for about as long,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Kevin Anderton, who is directing the production. “The play itself is pure comedy rooted in ancient farce. We have a show that deals with love, death, hypocrisy, and ultimately transformations albeit in a very, very funny manner. It is the last play Moliere wrote; he actually died during the fourth performance of it in 1674, which is ironic because he references himself in the play as being sick.”

The cast includes Nick Fleming as Argan, Sydney Hillman as Béline, Jessica Pickard as Angélique, Chelsie Burks as Louise, Kyle Coleman as Béralde, Tim Mereus as Cléante, Quentin Hopkins as Dr. Diafoirus, Jordan Heath as Thomas Diafoirus, Abigail Mansfield as Purgon, Tanyah Anderson as Fleurant, Abbey Poole as Bonnefoi, and Emily Hill as Toinette.

Pickard, a junior theatre major who plays the female lead, said, “This role has been an eye-opening experience. I am learning to step outside of my box and make decisions. I am given the freedom to do what I think works for my character.”

Of the production, Hill, a junior musical theatre major, said, “Moliere’s ‘Imaginary Invalid’ is probably the most fun show I’ve ever gotten the opportunity to be a part of. It’s so clever, and his wit is exquisite. I am a huge fan of all of the great literary devises he uses to bring this story to life. These characters are hilariously outrageous, and I think that’s why I’m having such a great time with the production.”

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. Shorter is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

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