When thinking about occupations kids say they want when they get older, a list comes to mind – doctor, superhero, firefighter, etc. But not many would find their passion at the horse racing track and say they want to become a jockey. In "Small," an autobiographical play written and performed by Robert "Bobby" Montano, the story follows Montano as he races and fulfills his dream on the horse racing tracks of Long Island, New York. It does not stop there, however. The 90-minute play is a story of love, loss and more as Montano grapples with some difficult life decisions.
“Small” has had a few iterations throughout the United States, premiering at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, New York in 2022 before a 2024 Off-Broadway transfer at 59E59, where the production was nominated for Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play. George Street Playhouse is the latest stop on this tour-de-force journey as the show marks its New Jersey premiere and is now playing at the company’s home at the Arthur Laurents Theatre. Montano and director Jessi D. Hill spoke about the journey from humble beginnings to a multi-city tour.
“I think back on how much we were tinkering on little things in the writing when we were racing toward the finish line at the premiere,” Hill said. “Things were getting switched around, major cuts, cutting scenes, we were just kind of figuring out what it wanted to be structurally. Now, even after having three productions of it, we are still tinkering with it, even if it just means evening out small things.”
One of the unique things about “Small” is that Montano and Hill have been working together on this project since its very early stages. They were introduced by mutual friends and the chemistry just clicked, allowing them to have an excellent professional relationship throughout each individual production. Montano said that Hill still gives him feedback even years after he originally wrote the play, making it better and better at each stop.
“Two days after she read it, I got a call from Jessi asking ‘Can we meet? Do you think you can read this to me?’” Montano said. “I asked her what she would do differently, she explained and then I said, ‘You’re it. Let’s play.’ And then we took it from there.
Because of the extensive span of subject matter, the show covers, ranging from following dreams to losing them in the span of minutes, many different types of audience members can connect with “Small.” Both Montano and Hill mentioned that they see all types of people coming to see the show, ranging in age and race as well as from all genders. There is something for everyone to connect to in this show and according to Montano, that is what makes it so beautiful.
“This is my favorite kind of theater,” Hill said. “It is the kind of theater that makes you look inward, question your own motivations, be able to see your life and your life choices and your passions and hardships. Even though you are not on a racetrack, you can find parallels with what Robert is going through and what we all go through in our own lives. I feel like everyone has a moment where they chase a passion and not have it work out, and that is exactly what this story tells.”
The varying demographics of audience members and their connections to the subject matter make “Small” a rather large-hearted play. The storyline moves people, and Montano discusses how that connectivity can make a huge difference as the play develops.
“When you are young, you don’t really know that life is going to have some disappointments, Montano said. “In writing this, I wanted to share my blemishes, and if you are so ready to share your victories then share your blemishes. The average person can certainly attach something to their weakness and blemishes. That’s why I decided to press on and write ‘Small.’”
The duo also mentioned how much there is to take away from “Small” and how it varies based on the stage of life an audience member is in. Some may connect with certain moments more than others, but both Hill and Montano reiterated how much the message means to this story. They said that because so many people go through the process of finding, losing and then re-finding yourself, there are myriad ways to relate to this show. And that is what makes it so special – not every production carries as significant a weight.
“There is such curiosity in this show with what will and will not work out,” Hill said. “And it is that curiosity that makes this show so special.”
Montano added, “I think staying true to yourself is the key to the success. Someone told me once that this play was so true to me. That is what I want people to see in it.”
“Small” is currently playing George Street Playhouse (11 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick) until Feb. 2. In addition to Montano and Hill, the production is rounded out with “Curly” Karen Schleifer as the production stage manager. Tickets start at $25 and are available at georgestreetplayhouse.org.
