Yale Rep to stage Molière’s comedy about ‘playing doctor’

Pandemonium ensues when a wife seeks revenge on her scoundrel husband in the Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of Molière’s slapstick comedy “A Doctor in Spite of Himself.”

Martine convinces the town that Sganarelle is the best doctor around and that he can cure any ailment. But Sganarelle turns the tables on his wife — and everyone else — with his own definition of “in sickness and in health.”

A co-production of the Yale Rep and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, “A Doctor in Spite of Himself” was adapted by Christopher Bayes and Steven Epp. Bayes is also directing the production. It runs Nov. 26-Dec. 17.

The production features original compositions and music direction by Aaron Halva; sets by Matt Saunders; costumes by Kristin Fiebig; lighting by Yi Zhao; sound by Ken Goodwin; dramaturgy by Benjamin Fainstein; vocal coaching by Walton Wilson; and stage management by Brandon Curtis.

In addition to Epp, the cast features Julie Briskman, Liam Craig, Renata Friedman, Allen Gilmore, Chivas Michael, Jacob Ming Trent, and Justine Williams.

Bayes began his theater career with the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune, where he worked for five years as an actor, director, composer, designer, and artistic associate. Directing credits include productions at Trinity Repertory Company, Touchstone Theater, and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with additional 2 p.m. matinees on the following Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10 (which is open captioned), and 17 (an audio-described performance). There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on Wednesday, Dec. 7, which will be preceded by a reception for senior citizens at 1 p.m. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 2; and Talk Back sessions (conversations with the artistic and creative teams) will be offered following the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 3; the 8 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 8; and the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Tickets are $20-$88 ($20 tickets are available Monday-Thursday, Nov. 28-Dec. 1) and are available online, by phone 203-432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep box office, 1120 Chapel St. (at York Street). Student, senior and group rates are also available.