The Merc Playhouse in Twisp will be showing two theater performances—The Imaginary Invalid on Sunday, February 23, and Over the River and Through the Woods, from March 7 through 23.

Moliere’s famous comedy, The Imaginary Invalid, is a Seattle University Production directed by Seattle University Theater professor and Merc Artistic Director, Ki Gottberg. It tells the story of Argan, a wealthy hypochondriac who tries to control his health as well as her oldest daughter’s destiny by trying to marry her to a doctor –so there will be one in the family. But his daughter has different plans. A clever maid gets into action to prove that the cure to all ailments can be found where we least expect it. Mo

The Imaginary Invalid will be shown for one night only, and all proceeds will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor to support the theater’s new stage lighting. Adult tickets are $15—free for youth 18 and under. Showtime is at 6 p.m. at the Merc Playhouse, and tickets can be purchased at door one 30 minutes before the show starts. This play is recommended for ages 10 and up.

On March 7, the Merc Playhouse will start showing Over the River and Through the Woods, a coming-of-age comedy by Joe DiPietro. Laurelle Walsh marks her main-stage directorial debut with this play, which tells the story of Nick, a young single Italian-American man from New Jersey, who is offered a dream job that implies moving away from his annoying grandparents. The news are not well taken by his relatives, who plot a series of hilarious schemes to keep Nick around.

Marc Holm, Donald McLane, Jane Pappidas, Ray Sanders, Julie Tate-Libby, and Robin Wheeler star in this play, which runs March 7-23 –Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Merc Playhouse, $15 adults and $5 for youth 18 & under. On Thursday, March 13, there will be a “Pay what you can” performance at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Merc Playhouse’s Managing Director, Jane Hubrig, at 997-PLAY (7529) or by email at info@mercplayhouse.org. Or visit their website at: www.mercplayhouse.org.