The Doctor in Spite of Himself (short version)

The Doctor in Spite of Himself (short version) adapted by Timothy Mooney

(0)
Productions (2)
Comedy
|
40 - 50 minutes
3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (9-11 actors possible: 3-5 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 full-length version of this play is also available.)

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $55
Standard Edition $11.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $75

*The per performance fee begins at $55. 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 full-length version of this play is also available.)

  • Comedy
  • |
  • 40 - 50 minutes
  • 3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (9-11 actors possible: 3-5 W, 5-8 M)
  • Set: A wood, a room in Geronte's house, and a garden.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-690-9

Published Reviews

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

John Brandenburg, The Oklahoman

"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

"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

DEC 12, 2013 - DEC 12, 2013
C.H. Yoe High School
Cameron, TX United States
C.H. Yoe High School Cameron, TX United States
FEB 28, 2009 - FEB 28, 2009
North Shore Technical High School
Middleton, MA United States
North Shore Technical High School Middleton, MA United States
No upcoming productions.
No professional productions.