THE “DOCTOR” IS OUT (OF HIS MIND)
Bill Irwin continues his streak as one of the most underrated, yet masterful scholars of the theatrical idiom with this streamlined adaptation. I went in knowing nothing other than it was Moliere and that probably meant some aristocrats were gonna look real stupid in the next 90 minutes. After an elaborate opening (including dance and chanting) to reveal a gorgeous period set, Irwin takes the driver’s seat and immediately starts firing off musings about paying healthcare bills and the frequency of his enema treatments. (As a nurse, the latter got me downright giggling from the jump). Then the fun begins with the ensemble members each playing 1-4 parts during the course of the play.
There are wills at stake, lovers in peril, doctor’s abound, and Rachel Bloom as one very fed-up housemaid. I do think she contributes to the overall slightly sluggish pacing of this farce, but I didn’t think her performance was bad at all. The main standouts are Crystal Dickinson as the scheming second wife, decked out in a gown that I could only describe as a steampunk nod to SIX (a compliment) and Hiram Delgado, who plays all three of his roles with such distinction that he probably got the most laughs from the audience - even more than Bill and Rachel. I would honestly not be surprised if he was in contention for the Featured Actor/Play category next year because he really is that good.
This is definitely a show I’m making a revisit to. I’m giving it a solid A-/B+. Once it shakes off the preview jitters, it’s definitely a hit for me at least.
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