‘The Imaginary Invalid’: Irwin takes on Molière

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: (left to right) Daniel Croix Henderson, Bill Irwin & Ava Lalezarzadeh. Photo: Joan Marcus.

THE IMAGINARY INVALID
By Molière
Translated by Doug Skinner
Adapted by Bill Irwin
Directed by Brandon J. Dirden
Through November 22, 2026
Todd Haimes Theatre
227 West 42nd Street
https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/

Anyone who has been going to Broadway for the past couple of decades (including this reviewer) knows that nobody does physical comedy quite like Bill Irwin. From his Tony Award-winning role in the 2005 revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? opposite Kathleen Turner to the 2009 Bye Bye Birdie revival and Eureka Day in 2024, Mr. Irwin has shown remarkable versatility. He can get laughs with a facial expression, a manic gesture or a perfectly timed line.

Molière has rarely appeared on Broadway in recent decades. His last Broadway outing was a 2003 revival of Tartuffe, while The Imaginary Invalid hasn’t played Broadway since 1967. Nearly six decades later, Mr. Irwin brings the French playwright’s final comedy back in an adaptation featuring a translation by Doug Skinner. Brandon J. Dirden makes his Broadway directorial debut at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre.

Mr. Irwin stars as Argan, a wealthy man who spends much of his time worrying about his health. His household revolves around his complaints, costly treatments and unquestioning faith in his doctors. Before long, his obsession causes trouble for everyone around him.

A prescription for trouble

Argan is convinced he suffers from one ailment after another. He spends a fortune on doctors, medications, enemas and other treatments, yet nothing eases his fears.

His quick-witted servant, Toinette (Rachel Bloom), sees through his supposed illnesses and questions the doctors who indulge him. Argan, however, refuses to listen.

Meanwhile, his daughter Angélique (Ava Lalezarzadeh) has fallen for Cléante (Daniel Croix Henderson). But Argan wants her to marry Thomas Diafoirus (Hiram Delgado), a doctor’s son, so he can keep medical expertise in the family. With Toinette’s help, Angélique tries to escape the arrangement and marry the man she loves.

Argan’s second wife, Béline (Crystal A. Dickinson), adds to the trouble. She showers him with affection but also has her eye on his money. Argan remains oblivious. As the household grows more chaotic, his brother Béralde (Dylan Baker) tries to challenge his dependence on doctors. Toinette, meanwhile, comes up with schemes to reveal what is really going on.

Molière’s comedy for today’s audiences

Mr. Irwin gives Molière’s 1673 comedy a contemporary flavor, and the central joke still lands. Doctors profit from Argan’s fears, while he puts his faith in every treatment they prescribe. More than three centuries later, that kind of blind trust remains easy to recognize.

A healthy dose of comic talent

As Argan, Mr. Irwin puts his gift for physical comedy to good use. His gestures, facial expressions and timing make Argan’s obsession amusing. Yet beneath all the foolishness, he also suggests a man who is genuinely afraid of being ill. Argan is ridiculous, but Mr. Irwin makes him oddly sympathetic.

Rachel Bloom is a delight as Toinette. While much of the cast goes for broad laughs, Ms. Bloom takes a more measured approach. Her delivery and comic timing are excellent, and she gets plenty of laughs without overplaying the role. Just as important, she makes Toinette believable even as the antics around her grow more absurd.

Dylan Baker is equally impressive as Béralde. He plays a man who sees others taking advantage of his brother and genuinely wants to help. That affection comes through in Mr. Baker’s performance, which brings a welcome touch of sincerity to the comedy.

The rest of the cast throws itself into the farce with enthusiasm, though the results are uneven. Molière’s humor leaves room for exaggerated acting, but some moments become so frantic that the dialogue is hard to follow. A little restraint might have made those scenes funnier.

Dressed to impress

Mr. Dirden keeps the action moving, even if he doesn’t always rein in the ensemble’s excesses. Karen Perry’s gorgeous period costumes, meanwhile, are a treat. Their rich colors and elaborate details add to the fun of the production.

The prognosis is good

I’m not familiar enough with Molière’s original play to judge how Mr. Irwin’s adaptation compares with it. Still, The Imaginary Invalid gives him a terrific showcase for his comic talents. Despite a few moments when the comedy goes overboard, it’s a lighthearted, entertaining one-act production that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Published October 30, 2026
Reviewed at press performance on October 28, 2026.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: (left to right) Crystal A. Dickinson, Bill Irwin & Rachel Bloom. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: Bill Irwin & Rachel Bloom. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: (left to right) Brooks Ashmanskas, Hiram Delgado, Daniel Croix Henderson & Bill Irwin. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: Crystal A. Dickinson, Hiram Delgado & Bill Irwin. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: Hiram Delgado, Bill Irwin & Brooks Ashmanskas. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: Dylan Baker, Hiram Delgado & Bill Irwin. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘THE IMAGINARY INVALID’: Brooks Ashmanskas (standing) & Bill Irwin. Photo: Joan Marcus.