From Sketch to Stage: Quannapowitt Players' "Something Intangible" Triumphs

This movie will be my next masterpiece.

The Quannapowitt Players invite audiences to “Something Intangible,” a two-act comedy-drama by Bruce Graham. Taking place in 1940s Hollywood, the story is loosely based on Walt and Roy Disney. Dale Wiston worries about his brother, Tony Wiston’s, erratic behavior as he works endlessly to create his latest film.

I didn’t know what the show was about, and Quannapowitt Players’ “Something Intangible” immediately met my Disney/movie fangirl heart. This is a fascinating production on the movie industry and mental health. It challenges audiences to reflect on their own lives and consider what they may be overlooking.

Nick Miller and Adam Heroux play brothers, Tony and Dale Wiston. They each evoke strong performances, especially their chemistry. Miller is an energetic delight, while Heroux does an excellent job of exuding his character’s watchful eye. They form a brotherly relationship that is layered and compelling.

Miller delivers a standout performance as Tony, capturing remarkable nuances and passion. I am impressed by Miller’s research for his role. Tony is both manic and driven, erupting in well-recited monologues about his dreams and fears. There’s quite an intensity to his portrayal as Tony’s thoughts race faster than he can contain them.

Equally impressive is Heroux, who portrays a more grounded performance as Dale. Heroux also has some lengthy monologues and recites with clear and warm diction. Dale is always looking out for his brother, astonished by his marvelous ideas, but worried about Tony’s mental health. What’s important is that he never loses faith in his brother.

The play has a small ensemble. Jenny Fielding plays Sonia Feldman, the therapist whom Dale speaks with throughout the show. Sonia offers advice and asks how Dale feels about the situation, all while knitting scarves.

The therapist's storyline is more important than you think. For its time period, mental health wasn’t taken seriously in the 40s as it is now. It’s okay to reach out for help.

Nathan Mabanglo-Burgett plays Leo Baxter, a faithful animator who has to do a lot of running around. He doesn’t agree with some of Tony’s ideas or views, but he is always willing to bring Tony’s visions to life.

Gordon Ellis has a dueling role as Doc Bartelli, a studio financier, and composer Gustav Von Meyerhoff. Ellis nails both parts, adding humorous acting bits.

Once you enter the Quannapowitt Players auditorium, it’s like being in a Hollywood office. Set designer David Fisher created an office space for a famous animator, with a cartoonist's table, couch, and a view overlooking the film studio lot.

The technical elements - lighting, sound, and costumes - enhance the mood and anchor the time period. One of my favorite scenes was the brothers looking into the starlit night, and Tony describing how the sight should be reflected in his animation. The lighting effects are stunning.

“Something Intangible” has been on Andrew Boncoddo’s directing list for almost a decade. He has always been intrigued by this story, especially the icons it’s loosely based on. His passion and commitment are evident in every moment of this production.

He approaches the material with a deep respect for its themes, peeling away layers of what the play is about. “Something Intangible” is a moving exploration of connection, reminding us of how people in the entertainment industry work incredulous hours to bring projects that appeal to audiences.

Be warned, there is nasty language and obscenities that reflect the time period. If you are a movie buff, put Quannapowitt Players’ “Something Intangible” on your show list. It plays from March 20 through April 4.