Imagining the Imaginary Invalid NYC Reviews and Tickets

84%

(3 Ratings)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Thought-provoking, Resonant, Absorbing, Ambitious, Profound

About the Show

Mabou Mines presents this metatheatrical story of a theatre company struggling to put on Molière’s seminal play about the evils of the medical industry.

'Imagining the Imaginary Invalid' takes you backstage as the cast prepares the set and tries to rehearse scenes from the play amidst personal discussions about money, medicine, politics, loss and the nature of inspiration. As the audience watches the action unfold in layers, ballets spontaneously spring out of costume fittings, scenes devolve into arguments about art, money, and health and the performers struggle to create something in the wake of the loss of a leading player.

Show-Score Member Reviews (3)

Profound, Original, Resonant, Enchanting, Thought-provoking

See it if you like backstage shenanigans, dance, Moliere, smart stagecraft and Marylouise Burke (utterly charming). A love letter to art and family.

Don't see it if you want something mainstream and linear, you don't care about the history of the vibrant downtown NYC theatre scene.

Thought-provoking, Ambitious, Absorbing, Clever, Quirky

See it if you like experimental, challenging theater. This unusual piece mixed Moliere's play w/contemporary real-life scenes about cancer treatment.

Don't see it if you want a straight-forward narrative. This piece is sprawling, w/a large cast (including dancers). Perfect for La Mama. A touching evening Read more

Great acting, Dizzying, Thought-provoking

See it if you love Mabou Mines, avant garde work, dance theatre, plays about creative processes, you liked 10 out of 12

Don't see it if you like traditional plays, or are expecting straight Moliere.

Critic Reviews (1)

"A large-cast elegy with laughter, loosely remixed from Molière’s play 'The Imaginary Invalid'...Ms. Maleczech, the mother of this production’s director and choreographer, Clove Galilee, was 74 when she died. Going on without Ms. Maleczech is part of what 'Imagining the Imaginary Invalid' is about...This complex show seems still to be finding its form. Already it is beautiful, though: vigorous, funny and plaintive, an act of both perseverance and remembrance."
Read more

Trailer

Creative team