The Doctor in Spite of Himself (full-length version)

The Doctor in Spite of Himself (full-length version) adapted by Timothy Mooney

(0)
Productions (14)
Comedy
|
60 - 75 minutes
3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (9-11 actors possible: 3-6 W, 5-8 M)
Set: A wood, a room in Geronte's house, and a garden.

When the peasant woodcutter, Sganarelle, is mistaken as a doctor, he is surprised to find himself winning the respect of everyone in town. However, when he discovers that the source of a patient's inability to speak is the dread of her arranged marriage, Sganarelle helps her run off with her boyfriend, which leaves him, the "doctor," at the mercy of the girl's vengeful father. This rhymed-verse adaptation of Moliere's play uses wit and rhyme to tell the story of an ignorant peasant who is elevated to a position of authority, and the hilarity that ensues when no one can tell the difference. (A short version of this play is also available.)

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $150

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

When the peasant woodcutter, Sganarelle, is mistaken as a doctor, he is surprised to find himself winning the respect of everyone in town. However, when he discovers that the source of a patient's inability to speak is the dread of her arranged marriage, Sganarelle helps her run off with her boyfriend, which leaves him, the "doctor," at the mercy of the girl's vengeful father. This rhymed-verse adaptation of Moliere's play uses wit and rhyme to tell the story of an ignorant peasant who is elevated to a position of authority, and the hilarity that ensues when no one can tell the difference. (A short version of this play is also available.)

  • Comedy
  • |
  • 60 - 75 minutes
  • 3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (9-11 actors possible: 3-6 W, 5-8 M)
  • Set: A wood, a room in Geronte's house, and a garden.

Published Reviews

"The wit of his quill brings quite a thrill... Audience members of all ages are in for a delightful hour of mishaps and misunderstandings."

Johnnie-Margaret McConnell, The Norman Transcript

"Spoof, satire delight audience... nearly irresistible."

John Brandenburg, The Oklahoman

"Mooney's witty wordplay and richly rolling rhythms do capture the playwright's zest and the play's confused circumstances."

Jenn Goddu, Chicago Reader

Production History

JUN 03, 2020 - JUN 03, 2020
Gorman Learning Center
Redlands, CA United States
Gorman Learning Center Redlands, CA United States
NOV 02, 2010 - NOV 04, 2010
St. Augustine Catholic High School
Tucson, AZ United States
St. Augustine Catholic High School Tucson, AZ United States
MAY 21, 2010 - MAY 29, 2010
Aulround Productions
Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Aulround Productions Ayrshire, United Kingdom
FEB 18, 2010 - FEB 21, 2010
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR United States
Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR United States
NOV 05, 2009 - NOV 14, 2009
Tidewater Community College Theatre
Chesapeake, VA United States
Tidewater Community College Theatre Chesapeake, VA United States
APR 15, 2009 - APR 18, 2009
French Fried Theatre Troupe
Midway, KY United States
French Fried Theatre Troupe Midway, KY United States
FEB 19, 2009 - FEB 28, 2009
North Idaho College
Coeur D Alene, ID United States
North Idaho College Coeur D Alene, ID United States
JAN 01, 2007 - DEC 31, 2007
Mark Twain International School
Voluntari, Ilfov Romania
Mark Twain International School Voluntari, Ilfov Romania
JAN 01, 2007 - DEC 31, 2007
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK United States
University of Oklahoma Norman, OK United States
JAN 01, 2006 - DEC 31, 2006
Fintry Amateur Dramatic Society
Fintry, Scotland
Fintry Amateur Dramatic Society Fintry, Scotland
JUN 01, 2001 - JUN 30, 2001
Stage Two
Deerfield, IL United States
Stage Two Deerfield, IL United States
JAN 01, 1970 - JAN 01, 1970
Lehman College
Bronx, NY United States
Lehman College Bronx, NY United States
JAN 01, 1970 - JAN 01, 1970
Theatrearlequin
Alwarpet, India
Theatrearlequin Alwarpet, India
JAN 01, 1970 - JAN 01, 1970
Marietta High School
Marietta, GA United States
Marietta High School Marietta, GA United States
No upcoming productions.
No professional productions.

Awards (3)

District and Regional Winner, Scottish Community Drama Association (2006)

Third Place, Scottish Community Drama Association National Festival (2006)

Finalist, Sanremo Global Education Festival, Italy (2007)