The Intimacy Effect 

Reviewed by Dana Martin 
The Lounge Theatre 
Extended through May 13^th 

RECOMMENDED 

It’s too close for comfort at the Lounge Theatre. The Intimacy Effect, a sophomore effort by JTK Productions, dives headfirst into the messy and immediate conversation surrounding the insidious nature of toxic masculinity. It’s an examination of the violation of consent through acts of violence, manipulation, sexually and/or physically aggressive behavior, and it serves as a rallying cry for the end of days where “boys will be boys.” The play is an engaging, timely examination of the difficulty of identifying abuse — particularly when perpetrated by those with whom we are intimately intertwined.

The story takes place during a dinner party given by Amy Appel (Toni Christopher) and Matt Appel (Tim Fannon). Matt’s brother Doug (Robert Bella) and sister-in-law Merrily (Jordana Oberman) arrive during an emotionally charged moment resulting from the previous night’s upheaval that Amy insists on keeping private, imploring Matt to comply. He doesn’t. What follows is a slow reveal of the various harmful ways the brothers disregard consent and betray their respective spouses. Amy and Merrily struggle to identify — yet ultimately acknowledge — the abuse and harmful behavior perpetrated by their husbands.

Toni Christopher digs deep as Amy Appel in a grounded, authentic performance. Jordana Oberman delivers an emotionally explosive performance as naive Merrily. When she discovers her husband’s betrayal, the ground seems to shake. Tim Fannon’s Matt scratches the surface of a man who regularly represses rage. Robert Bella’s Doug deliciously berates, taunts and teases, but never quite taps into the character’s vulnerability or culpability. Cassidy Schiltz is simple and straightforward as Jennifer, the pregnant young woman who seeks support and redemption from the Appels.

Director Eric Hunicutt guides the play’s action with a sure and steady hand. Lighting designer Jesse Baldridge creates subtle, effective shifts between reality and imagination. Set designer Michael Fitzgerald creates a warm, lived-in New York apartment using playing space creatively and efficiently. Sound designer Jason Whitton creates a tone of uneasiness. Costume design by Serena Duffin is simple and attractive.

Brooklyn-based playwright Jeff Tabnick presents more questions than answers, which feels wholly appropriate given the subject matter. At times, the play relies too heavily on convention; for example, the characters use third person asides to reveal inner dialogue. A secret — plain to the audience — is withheld from the characters for far too long. Regardless, it’s compelling theatre.

In light of the #metoo movement, the conversation surrounding abuse arising from toxic masculinity is both timely and necessary. It’s easy to cast blame on celebrities but much more difficult when the abuser is in the family. The Intimacy Effect is another example of women gaining the courage and support to speak up and speak out against men who commit acts of violence against them, even when they are close to home. Bad behavior must be owned, and may the punishment fit the crime.

The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; Extended through May 13th; (800)838-3006(800)838-3006(800)838-3006838-3006(800)838-3006838-3006(800)838-3006838-3006(800)838-3006838-3006 or theintimacyeffect.brownpapertickets.com.; Running time: 75 minutes with no intermission.