The Imaginary Invalid
Broadway Show In Development
The Imaginary Invalid is in Development
The Imaginary Invalid Summary
- Show Status: In Development
- Genre: Play
- The Imaginary Invalid is 2 hours long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Show Closes: Open ended
Professional patient Argan indulges his every ailment, and schemes to marry off his daughter to a doctor to save on medical bills
What's The Imaginary Invalid Like?
Tony Award® winner Bill Irwin returns to Broadway (and to Molière) to head the cast of his razor-sharp new adaptation of The Imaginary Invalid, a comedy that proves hypochondria never goes out of style.
Professional patient Argan indulges his every ailment, and schemes to marry off his daughter to a doctor to save on medical bills. But she has another life in mind. With a fearless ensemble directed by Broadway veteran Brandon J. Dirden, this fiercely funny production is about to prove that real life is what happens while you and your family are making other plans.
Is The Imaginary Invalid Good for Kids?
This show is not good for kids
The Imaginary Invalid on Broadway Background
Origins
The Imaginary Invalid was originally written by Molière in 1673 as a satirical comedy about medicine, hypochondria, and social ambition. It premiered in Paris and became one of Molière’s final works—famously, he collapsed during a performance and died shortly after. The play has remained a staple of classical theater, known for its fast-paced farce and sharp critique of doctors and societal pretensions.
Adaptation History
Over the centuries, the play has been frequently revived and adapted, often reshaped to suit modern audiences. The 2026 Broadway production features a new adaptation by Bill Irwin, who brings a physical-comedy style and contemporary sensibility to the material. This version builds on earlier stagings, including a recent Off-Broadway run, while reworking the language and comedic rhythms for a broader Broadway audience.
Broadway Production
The 2026 Broadway staging is presented by Roundabout Theatre Company as part of its season at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Directed by Brandon J. Dirden and starring Bill Irwin, the production aims to balance classical text with accessible, modern performance. Positioned as a major revival, it continues Broadway’s tradition of reintroducing classic comedies with updated interpretations while preserving their original themes and theatrical energy.
Theatre Information
Todd Haimes Theatre
227 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10019
New York, NY 10019
Seats:
740
Entrance:
42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues
Theatre
Information
Cast Members
- Argan
- Bill Irwin
Producers
Roundabout Theatre Company
Production Credits
- Director
- Brandon J. Dirden
Creative Team
- Playwright
- Molière
- Adaptation
- Bill Irwin