Something Intangible by Bruce Graham
”Good artists are not a dime a dozen.” At least, not in Arden Theatre Company’s Something Intangible by Bruce Graham. A world premiere, Something Intangible goes beyond the typical brother relationship to bring the audience into the world of these very, very atypical brothers, Dale (Scott Greer) and Tony (Ian Merril Peakes). Tony is a pill popping, female loving, prejudiced artist who runs a Hollywood studio that produces cartoons and Dale is his accountant.
Although Tony sometimes seems to be running the show, it’s quickly discovered that Dale is more in control than Tony thinks. Dale keeps Tony in line, and not just in business. Even though Tony would never admit it, he needs Dale to take care of him and Dale always rises to the occasion. And although Dale doesn’t understand his brother’s imagination, at one point even claiming that his brother “gets fifty ideas a minute”, he appreciates it more than Tony ever realizes.
Cleverly constructed, the play itself takes place in the form of flashes while Dale speaks to his therapist, Sonia (Sally Mercer). It’s almost unclear what is meant to be taking place in the past, present and future of Dale’s therapy sessions, but it doesn’t affect the flow of the performance, as everything still seems very linear. If anything, it makes it the performance seem more natural, as there’s no jumping around.
Scott Greer’s performance is simply phenomenal. Within this duo of two very different characters, he’s able to bring the straight man to life with charisma and a certain charm. Not a typical charm, but he brings something to the table that you can’t always put your finger on. His character, who has always done right by everyone in his life, is brought alive in a way that makes him more than just a loving brother, husband and father. He’s no saint, but he’s not an average guy either.
Something Intangible, inspired by the loving relationship of Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, creates a very vivid picture of two people who care for each other more than most people can imagine. Although they aren’t the perfect picture of a typical family, but these men love each other unconditionally and that’s something that’s hard to find.
Arden Theatre Co. presents Something Intangible, written by Bruce Graham and directed by Terrence J. Nolan, April 9 – June 7, 2009 at the Arcadia Stage at the Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street. Tickets $29-$48. 215-922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org.
