Fine-Tooned

Something Intangible

by Mark Cofta

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Published: Apr 28, 2009

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The Arden's My Name Is Asher Lev engagingly explored creativity's risks and rewards earlier this season, and next year's just-announced Sunday in the Park with George will again delve into the mind of an artist. Bruce Graham's new Something Intangible proves a worthy companion.

The Philly playwright, best known for endearingly coarse characters in Belmont Avenue Social Club and Moon Over the Brewery, tackles '40s Hollywood through a thinly disguised look at Walt Disney. Ian Merrill Peakes' mercurial performance as Tony Wiston, an amphetamine-fueled perfectionist undeterred by finances, relationships, human decency and world war, balances well with Scott Greer's insightful work as underappreciated, self-doubting businessman brother Dale.

Resist admiring how Graham fictionalizes Disney — Petey Pup is Mickey Mouse, Fantasia becomes Grandioso and so on — because the real conflict between brothers, and between art and commerce, eclipses his cleverness. Peakes' Tony is undeniably charismatic, despite his bigotry. Spontaneous inspiration causes him to strut on furniture — a rare instance when this tired device actually works — and Peakes makes Tony's visions so compelling that you'll wish his "animated films" ("not cartoons!") actually existed.

"That man's ass is a barometer," Tony proclaims about Dale's instinctive reactions. Genius needs an audience as well as a manager, and Dale plays both without thanks. Graham balances Tony with Dale, a seemingly impossible feat, through psychiatrist Sonia (Sally Mercer) — here not just dramatic device but a genuine, fascinating character. Director Terrence Nolen's superb production includes Rosemarie McKelvey's delightful period suits and F. Mitchell Dana's subtle lighting. James Kronzer frames Tony's sumptuous office with giant suggestions of a film projector's spools — a clever touch in an already gorgeous design.

In a season of strong premières, Intangible stands out not for Graham's wit (we expected that), but the insightful exploration of artists and the people who love — and suffer — them.

Something Intangible | Through June 7, $29-$48, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, ardentheatre.org

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