Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance proudly presents the regional premiere of “The Hypochondriac,” a musical comedy based on Moliére’s “The Imaginary Invalid,” with music and lyrics by UA Theatre and Dance program director Raphael Crystal. The production will be presented in the Allen Bales Theatre in the UA Theatre District, Feb. 22-26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

If laughter is the best medicine, the perfect prescription is “The Hypochondriac.” Social satire at its witty, biting best, this well-loved work is as sparkling and scathingly funny today as when Moliere skewered upper class foolishness in the 17th century.

Argan, the invalid of the title, is a devoted hypochondriac, intent on preserving his imaginary illnesses while marrying his daughter to a doctor who can keep him well-supplied in potions and cures.

In a new translation with original music by Dr. Raphael Crystal, assistant professor and director of musical theatre, this production will put a fresh spin on a true classic.

For more information please visit www.as.ua.edu/theatre or call 205/348-3400. Tickets may be purchased at the theatre and dance box office located in the lobby of Rowand-Johnson Hall. The ticket office is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on the evening of the performance from 6 p.m. to curtain call. Ticket prices are $12 for general admission, $10 for UA faculty and staff and seniors, and $8 for students and children.

The department of theatre and dance is located within the College of Arts and Sciences, UA’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state, with approximately 5,500 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students. The College has received national recognition for academic excellence, and the College’s students have been selected for many of the nation’s top academic honors, including 13 Rhodes Scholarships, 14 Goldwater Scholarships, seven Truman Scholarships, and 16 memberships on USA Today’s Academic All-American teams.