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Contributed by Bill Hoag
The Penguin Theatre in Stony Point just kicked off its 44th season with the world premiere of Small written and performed by Robert Montano. It is the true story of Mr. Montano’s burning desire to enter the sport of Thoroughbred Racing.
As a young boy, his mother brings him to the Belmont Park race track to watch an acclaimed jockey she knows named Robert Pineda.
Her son’s life is dramatically changed from that day forward as he is consumed with becoming a professional jockey. Through sheer determination, he convinces his idol Pineda to mentor him. Montano’s obsession with becoming a jockey while trying to maintain qualifying weight as his body naturally matures becomes a dangerous conflict. Without giving any more away, his journey does not end there and his continued pursuits are equally impressive and entertaining.
The physicality, humor, emotion, and passion of Montano’s performance is a tour de force rarely seen at such an extraordinary level in a single performance by any actor. His is a life of passion, determination, and joy - all on display in an amazing night of theatre.
Small moves to New York City this May. Meanwhile, as we finally get back to the joy of attending live theatre again, the Penguin Theatre, housed in an 1880s repurposed hay barn in the Hudson Valley, has more exceptional world premiers coming this season. Find out more at www.penguinrep.org. Enter code GMGPR at check out to save $5.00 on your ticket!
From Penguin Rep
Penguin Rep hosted the World Premiere of a new play by actor and playwright Robert Montano titled SMALL to kick off their 2022 season. It was a star-studded affair this past weekend when actress, singer and dancer Chita Rivera was in the audience along with several other stage and screen actors. Those in attendance included Tony Award Winner Karen Ziemba, Tony Award nominee Beth Fowler, actor Richard Kline best known for his role on Three’s Company, actor and host of Richard Skipper Celebrates Richard Skipper, actor Bill Hoag best known for his role in Orange is the New Black, and Tony Award nominee Derek Smith who will appear in Penguin’s production of Mr. Parker June 2 through July 3 off Broadway.
SMALL follows Montano’s real-life roller-coaster ride from Belmont Park Racetrack to starring roles on Broadway. Raised on Long Island, his first career as a professional jockey ended at age 18. One week shy of graduating from college, Montano booked his first Broadway gig in the show CATS. Since then, his career has included work with renowned directors Rob Marshall, Hal Prince, Jerome Robbins, and George C. Wolfe, with the latter directing him as Ozzie in ON THE TOWN. He has appeared with Chita Rivera in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, sang and danced with Peter Allen in LEGS DIAMOND, and partnered Catherine Zeta-Jones in the film CHICAGO.
The Penguin Rep season continues April 2 through April 10 with FAR FROM THE HOME I LOVE, a concert presentation of the iconic songs from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as reimagined by bandleader extraordinaire Paul Shapiro with a unique multicultural take. The concert, which features four musicians, three singers, and lots of heart and soul, will be presented for eight performances only. Tickets for FAR FROM THE HOME I LOVE are $30 each. To order tickets or for further information, visit Penguin Rep’s website at www.penguinrep.org or call 845-786-2873.
PHOTO CREDITS: DORICE ARDEN
