A Big Story Told in the Round
SMALL, an autobiographical solo show written and performed by the electric Robert Montano, debuted on the East Coast in 2022. For its West Coast premiere at The Old Globe three years later, it was also a debut in the round—the true story of Montano’s teenage dream of becoming a jockey. At just 14, he began training with unshakable determination. But the cold reality of height and weight requirements quickly turned his passion into a battle with his own body. A fight that ultimately became a health hazard.
Directed by Jessi D. Hill, the round added an intimate, engaging layer to the experience, allowing Montano to flow effortlessly through the space during the gripping storytelling while locking eyes—and hearts—with his audience. The piece is an emotionally charged, physical rollercoaster of a performance that had people gasping, covering their mouths, their eyes, and in some moments, holding back tears.
Something that I also found truly moving was Montano’s dedication to Mexican jockey Robert Pineda, who, along with his brother Álvaro Pineda, broke barriers in the world of horse racing. Montano recounts with reverence. Though both men died tragically in the 1970s, plays like SMALL keep their legacies alive—introducing them to new (er) generations who might never have heard their names (like me). That alone is so powerful. It stayed with me.
After the devastation of letting go of his jockey dream, Montano found a new purpose guided by what he calls his “guardian angel,” Robert Pineda. He pivoted to dance, earning a full scholarship to college and eventually landing Broadway roles in CATS, West Side Story, and On the Town. Today, he stars in his own show, which is currently being developed into a motion picture.
Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director of The Old Globe, said it best in his welcome letter:
“If its cost is a piece of the self, then the greater win may be the one that keeps us whole.”
And that’s precisely what SMALL is about: resilience, reinvention, and rediscovery.
Scenic designers Christopher and Justin Swader transformed the space into a stable—complete with hay, ropes, and actual mementos from Montano’s life, grounding the story. Jamie Roderick’s lighting design heightened each dramatic beat with well-timed brightness and contrast, while Brian Ronan’s sound design supported the choreography and movement with pitch-perfect cues.
Robert Montano’s story not only revealed his first true love but also the commitment it took to follow his passion, along with the irreplaceable power of family support.
Stories like these—and now, in times like these—are always a good thing.
There will be a Post-Show Forum on October 14—and if you can catch a performance, I highly recommend it. Bring tissues. Maybe an alcoholic beverage.
Production Stage Manager for this production is “Curly” Karen Schleifer, with Kendra Stockton as the Stage Manager Swing.
