“The Imaginary Invalid” is being introduced with a wealthy creativeness on the LeFrak Heart at Lakeside in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Free to the general public, this telling of Moliere’s pleasant comedy, combining a narrative, humor, and dance (initially ballet, hip-hop is now the invoice of fare), has been creatively and endearingly translated and directed by Lucie Tiberghien.
In partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, Moliere within the Park offers us all an excellent deal with as we expertise the story of the wealthy, however silly Argan, who claims to be at demise’s door and who consistently lets a quack doctor, Dr. Purgon, prescribe enemas for him. Argan is attempting to marry off his daughter, Angelique, to a health care provider, in order that he can have a health care provider within the household at his disposal, however Angelique has met one other man and has quickly fallen in love with him. Argan, a usually depressing individual, typically verbally abuses Toinette, his servant. Toinette, nevertheless, is not any shrinking violet: she not solely will argue with Argan, however chastises him about his life selections and therapy of Angelique. Argan’s spouse, Beline, isn’t married to him for love; whereas he’s fooled by her motivations, she is blatant about her needs and needs to others round her. Argan additionally has a sister, Beralde, who tries to inform him how gullible he’s relating to his docs. There’s rather a lot happening with this story and it’s amusing to behold, and the insults fly quickly among the many characters.
Bringing a humorous play like this to fruition takes a talented, hilarious solid that has good comedic timing, tone, and gestures, and who by no means misses a beat. That is precisely what you get with this marvelous solid.
Sahr Ngaujah, whom all of us acknowledge from “FELA!,” is exceptionally humorous and fabulously solid as Argan, setting the tempo from the opening scene and preserving the momentum going. Rory Furey-King is splendidly solid as Toinette. She is fast witted, fast tongued and sometimes underappreciated by Argan, however she additionally orchestrates the occasions that observe as Argan tries to determine his life. Shayvawn Webster is participating as Angelique, who tries to determine assert her opinion and persuade her father she ought to be happy with the person she marries — as an alternative of marrying to profit him. Naomi Lorrain could be very versatile in two roles as Thomas, a health care provider hoping to wed Angelique; and as Beralde, Argan’s sister. Mary Bacon is charming as Beline, Argan’s spouse. Her disdain for Argan is palpable. Doron JePaul is pleasant as Cleante. Donte Bonner portrays 4 roles with distinction and humor. Omari Chancellor does properly as Souffleur. Cal Hunt has the strikes as choreographer and dancer, bringing a hip-hop aptitude. Johnathan Moore supplies beautiful musical accompaniment as composer and cellist.
The manufacturing will solely run by way of Could 25. For tickets go to moliereinthepark.com.
