McNeese State University Theatre’s 70th anniversary season celebration will open with “The Imaginary Invalid” performed by McNeese Theatre Bayou Players at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee Oct. 4, in Ralph Squires Hall of the Shearman Fine Arts Center.

The comic reversal of “healthy, wealthy and wise,” “The Imaginary Invalid” tells the rib-tickling story of a wealthy, but not so wise, Acadian farmer named Argan, whose life is turned topsy-turvy by an absurd regard for his imaginary illnesses, by his new wife scheming for cash and by his daughter seeking new love. The “Imaginary Invalid” sparkles with Cajun high spirits. The diagnosis is laughter, Moliere-style.

The cast includes: Argan (Sylvester Green), Cleante (Jes Breaux), Dr. Diafoirus (William Lormand), Beralde “Uncle Be” (Levi Arens), Purgon (Gabriel Brown), Toinette (Caitlyn Prine), Belinda (Alex Svoboda), Bonnefoi (Heather Wesbrook), Angelique (Katie Pilipauskas), Louise (Elise Hamilton) and Sister Fleurant (Wesley Saucier).

Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid,” translated and adapted by Adley Cormier as “Le Malade Imaginare en Louisiane,” is set in Calcasieu Parish, 1939, and strongly flavored with the sounds of Southwest Louisiana. Veteran theatre artist Adley Cormier is guest director. John Abegglen is scenic and lighting designer.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens and youth (K-12). McNeese students are admitted free with a current ID. Season subscriptions are available during production dates—four shows for the price of three—and are also available to new faculty/staff for half price. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 6-8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-noon. For reservations call 475-5043.