February 25, 2013

For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Mike Rigert (801) 863-6807

Written by: Justin Forman (435) 668-2365

Utah Valley University’s Department of Theatrical Arts will present 11 performances of “The Imaginary Invalid,” Feb. 28-March 2 and March 4-9 at the Noorda Theatre.

The play, written in 1673 by Molière, is an irreverent, three-act French comédie-ballet with dance sequences and musical interludes by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.

“The students really love this show because they never leave the stage,” said Laurie Harrop-Purser, director of the play and a UVU assistant professor of theater. “The students have also been a large part of creating the frivolity holding the story together.”

The plot focuses on Argan, a wealthy hypochondriac with several medical bills. Argan plans for his daughter, Angelique, to marry the son of a physician to help him receive free medical care. Angelique, however, is already in love with another man named Cléante.

“We add our own commentary about modern-day medicine to Molière’s commentary about the medicine of their time.” Harrop-Purser said.

Performances will be Feb. 28-March 3, March 4-9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Noorda Theatre. Matinee performances will also be presented March 4 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the School of the Arts Box Office at the Noorda Theatre, at Campus Connection in the Sorensen Student Center, or by calling 801-863-PLAY (7529).

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About UVU

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah, and is home to more than 30,000 students. UVU began as a vocational school during World War II, and in the seven decades since has evolved into a technical school, community school, state college and, finally, a comprehensive regional teaching university. UVU is one of Utah’s largest institutions of higher learning and offers programs ranging from career training to high-demand master degrees, with emphasis on undergraduate education.