‘The Imaginary Invalid’ has a prescription for everything but laughter

The poster for Roundabout Theatre Company’s Broadway revival of Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid” spoofs the board game Operation, as though its patient’s medical and marital troubles could simply be plucked out with tweezers. The playful advertisement promises more fun than the production delivers. With Bill Irwin in the lead, elaborate scenery and costumes, and satire that remains timely, this ought to be a lively evening. Instead, its 90 minutes drag, a frustrating result for anyone who enjoys seeing classical plays given a lavish production. The opening suggests otherwise. Masked performers conjure a grand drawing room, with large doors, ornate walls, and a ceiling that descends into place. One almost wishes this bit of stage magic could continue all evening. Moliere doesn’t often turn up on Broadway, although New York has seen several recent revivals. Last season brought two Off-Broadway productions of “Tartuffe,” starring Andre De Shields and Matthew Broderick. In 2025, Molier