March 14, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2003

The Imaginary Invalid Opens March 14 at IVC

IRVINE, CA The Irvine Valley College Forum Theatre will stage the farcical play The Imaginary Invalid, under the direction of long-time IVC theater professor John-Frederick Jones. Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. and will run Thursday through Saturday, March 14 through April 13. Sunday matinee shows will be at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in the Forum Theatre, Building A-300 at Irvine Center Drive and Jeffrey Road.

The play was the last one written by Molire, the famous 17th century French playwright, actor and director. The story is centered around Monsieur Argan, an aristocratic hypochondriac who busies himself with medicines and treatment, imagining that he is gravely ill. So concerned is Argan for his health that he resolves his daughter must marry a medical student instead of her true love, thereby setting off the comical events of the play. IVCs updated production includes scenes that feature actors singing 1950s love songs such as Teenager in Love and My Guy.

The cast for IVCs Imaginary Invalid are: Paul R. Burt as Argan, Rebecca Fetscher as Toinette, Serein Wu as Angelica, Lisa Ferguson Gore as Belinda, Robert P. Purcell as Dr. Crapper; Bryan Bailey as Thomas Crapper, Zach Karlan as Oliver, Michael B. Salinas as Counselor Trustme, Josh McKnight as Valentine, Rachel P. Tofoli as Louisa, Sona Smetoanova as Mrs. Rexal P. Sniffer and Doo Wop Dancer, Larry Goldberg as Dr. Exlax, and Stefanie Boltz, Lailah Kabbara Jasmine Feres, Carly Barber, Judy Lin, Matt Lee and Jan Riccardi as Doo Wop Dancers.

General admission is $12, students with proper I.D. and seniors, $11. For more information call the Forum Theatre Box Office at (949) 451-5333.