Second Tango

Second Tango explores the idea that a jerk can be a visionary, can do nice things for people and can make a positive difference even as wolves nip at his heels. It features a retired arts center manager who risks his life savings to open a dance theater to avoid an early death from boredom. It is the story of a visionary who would deny his importance and the people who believe in his vision even more than he does. His goal is not to change the world, but to make his self-centered world slightly less lonely.

Drew Barnett has a history of abusing employees, taking advantage of friends and not getting along with his family. As he faces the prospect of a sedentary retirement, in an impulse, he decides to reclaim an abandoned movie theater in a run-down shopping mall and turn it into a dance theater and night club catering to middle aged women. He recruits and mentors his staff from the out-of-work friends he has met at the fitness center. He leans on his professional associates for guidance and assistance as he powers through the construction and opening of the project.

As Drew travels the long road toward opening, he pulls along a host of people, lifting them onto the rushing tempest he has become. Still, he has not done this for them. It is his storm and he is riding it. They can come as long as they work.

Drew’s juggernaut runs afoul of a corrupt politician who threatens the project. Drew is a jerk and he knows it. Using the tools he knows well, he rolls over the politician and drives toward the venue’s grand opening when, at the moment of his success, the politician reaches up to drag Drew down.