SUNY Oneonta Students Featured in Theatre Department's "The Imaginary Invalid" Production

On Friday, Sept. 29, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department presented "The Imaginary Invalid" featuring 10 students in various roles. "The Imaginary Invalid" features a hypochondriac father, Argan, who wants his daughter, Angelique, to marry a doctor so he can save on his medical bills. However, Angelique is in love with another, and soon the whole household is in support of her scheme to save true love.

The SUNY Oneonta production of "The Imaginary Invalid" was adapted and directed by John McCaslin-Doyle, professor of theatre history, dramatic literature and acting. Students from the Mask and Hammer theatre club, an active and dynamic campus organization that promotes opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theatre activities, were part of the production in various cast and crew roles.

"It is classical play, but it is also fun," says McCaslin-Doyle. "Both will help students with their development. "The Imaginary Invalid" is a broad, physical farce with strong language demands, something we couldn't do during COVID lockdown - and something essential for students to experience."

Casting and initial rehearsals for "The Imaginary Invalid" began in April 2023. Theatre Department Chair and Professor of Theatrical Design John Bagby designed the scenery and coordinated the props for the performance. Scott Segar, technical director, production manager and theatrical designer, built the scenery over the summer, and Marjean McCaslin-Doyle, costume shop supervisor and theatrical designer, designed and built the costumes.

"In this production, five actors play twelve characters, so people are busy on stage and backstage all the time," says John McCaslin-Doyle. "It's something that can be designed to travel out to high schools in the spring for recruitment. This adaptation is a short play, cut down to accommodate the brief time we have to mount this production."