Bill Irwin stars in his own adaptation of Molière’s 1673 play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” which centers on a domineering hypochondriac father figure. The New York Times frames the production as a comic remedy, focusing on Irwin’s performance and the play’s theme-driven premise.
Other outlets describe the Broadway staging and performance style. Deadline highlights the spectacle of the opening night set and visual presentation, noting the focal recliner and the contrast with ornate 17th-century French theatrical styling, while emphasizing Irwin’s ability to clown an audience. The New York Post offers a more critical reaction, saying the revival does not produce enough laughs, despite the play’s comedic setup.
Across the reviews, the shared focus is Irwin’s role and the play’s comedic roots. The main differences are tone and emphasis: one outlet spotlights performance as “the cure,” another foregrounds staging details and entertainment value, while the third stresses perceived lack of humor at a particular performance.
