Gilley

Moliere's masterpiece masterfully reinterpreted
Modern day adaptation by Oregon Shakespeare Festival hits the mark

By Chase Gilley · The Mainstream
Published May 24, 2011

As a change of pace for our final issue of the year we're going to take a look at another passion of mine, theater. If you would like to see one last movie review, check out our website: mainstreamonline.org for a web-exclusive review of the best and worse movies to watch this summer.

Though I am 20 years old, I have 17 years of community theater experience having worked with both amateurs and professionals. I've been either cast or crew for more plays than most people will see in their lifetime.

Even though I've done theater for all these years, I've never seen an Oregon Shakespeare Festival play. I've always heard good things about OSF, located in Ashland, but I never really gave the company much thought or had time to see one of their plays. So when I had the opportunity to check out their modern adaptation of the Moliere classic, " Le Malade Imaginaire" (or as we English-speakers would know it, "The Imaginary Invalid") I took the opportunity.

The experience begins at the door. You are greeted by a man playing the accordion, doing so in hopes that his music changes the world. As I made my way to my seat one of OSF's Tony awards showcased in the window caught my eye. Their Tony, the theatrical equivalent of an Oscar or a Grammy, was just one of several awards on display.

As I sat down, I marveled at the stage. It was glorious and intimidating with its stark black and white contrast and subtle color splashes. A single spotlight picked up the graphic circular checkerboard pattern. I would later learn that this stage house is based on an actual house in Paris where the play takes place.

At exactly the 1:30pm start time, the house lights faded out. Starting on time was also remarkable simply because I never see this happen. The idea of a play starting on its true start time, the exact second the clock clicks the half hour never happens. Ever.

I then met Argan, the play's protagonist and hypochondriac (played excellently by David Kelly). He sits center stage in a brilliant lighting display like nothing I've ever seen. Cue the dream sequence that sets the tone for this 1960s comedy, a dazzling display of song, dance, sequins and color.

This is just the beginning of the play. What proceeds is a show filled with everything from leeches and sign language to original music and platform shoes.

I could easily take up half of this publication explaining the fine intricacies of "The Imaginary Invalid." I wish I had an entire page to devote solely to the lighting design. But I will say that their ability of using digital projection meshed with elaborate classic lighting disciplines make for a stunning display.

Though this play is a very liberal adaptation of Moliere's work it does keep true to its roots, keeping the musical-like nature of the Moliere original with songs ranging from serious ballads to Motown.

"Invalid" also reinterprets the classical 1600s style of its source, but utilized a modern farcical take on the original's commedia dell'arte style. Produced by changing the setting to the 1960s and playing to the audience on a personal level.

The moral of this play is simple: live everyday like it's your last. The nearly three hours of performance doesn't feel long, partly because the very colorful characters truly come to life before you. Not a single beat is missed with this cast, all of whom are excellent performers.

In my 17 years of work in theater and seeing productions, "The Imaginary Invalid" is the best production I have ever seen. If there is one play I suggest seeing this year it would be this one. "The Imaginary Invalid" runs from now until November 6, and be sure to get your OSF tickets before they sell out. You won't be disappointed. ★★★★