Something Intangible
By Bruce Graham
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen
Originally produced at Arden Theatre, Philadelphia, PA.
April 9,2009 through May 31, 2009
About the Premiere Production: It's Hollywood, 1940. Two brothers - Tony, an extravagant visionary, and Dale, a plain-speaking numbers man - run a studio on the brink of major movie innovation. As Tony labors to create his latest and greatest work of art, Dale struggles to deliver the ever-escalating funds to realize Tony's vision. It's all for one, and one for all - but will they kill each other in the process? Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham has done it again. He's created a play that crackles with comedy, hums with humanity and stars Philly faves Ian Merrill Peakes and Scott Greer.
Recommended for 11th grade students and older.
Artistic Statement:
“Bruce Graham is a leading American playwright who over a long and varied career in theatre, film, and television has developed a national reputation for his wit and impeccable craftsmanship. A resident of Greater Philadelphia, he also happens to have a tremendous local following. I have long admired Bruce’s plays and am excited to be directing his work for the first time. We are confident that Something Intangible will join the repertoire of frequently produced American plays.
Bruce has a proven track record as a popular and highly producible playwright. The play’s subject matter is another good indicator of future success. The public has long been fascinated by tales of Hollywood history. Audiences crave these kinds of stories, and Bruce is uniquely qualified to tell them. Bruce knows first-hand the pitfalls and joys of working in Hollywood, as he has written extensively for film and television. His screenwriting credits include Anastasia and Steal This Movie. Bruce is also a life-long movie buff with an encyclopedic knowledge of film history. We have every reason to believe his latest theatrical foray into movie lore will prove a huge success with audiences across the nation hungry for this type of story.
As appealing as Something Intangible is to audiences, its small cast and flexible design requirements will make it equally attractive to theatre companies and artists. Actors love Bruce’s work for its snappy yet richly nuanced dialogue, and Something Intangible is vintage Bruce in that it provides meaty, substantive and deeply funny roles for the lead actors.
Bruce Graham has had so much success writing for the movies in recent years that he could easily give up on theatre entirely. The fact that he continues to write plays is a testament to his commitment to the American theatre. We at the Arden know that Bruce’s dedication to this art form should be matched with the resources he needs to see this play have the production it deserves, so we are honored that the play has been chosen as one of the Edgerton Award winners for next season.” - From Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen
Director: Terrence J. Nolen