Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – SMALL & A EULOGY FOR ROMAN: A pair of solo shows at 59E59 Theaters that deal with the growing pains associated with male adolescence

• By drediman
• September 1, 2023
• No Comments

Currently at Off-Broadway’s 59E59 Theaters, you’ll find a pair solo shows that deal with the growing pains associated with male adolescence (both productions conclude their limited New York runs this holiday weekend). Read on for my thoughts.

SMALL
Penguin Rep Theatre at 59E59 Theaters

The first of the two I attended was Robert Montano’s rollercoaster of an autobiographical one man show entitled simply and aptly Small (RECOMMENDED). Originally presented by Penguin Rep Theatre (the company’s productions have been regular tenants at 59E59 Theaters), the play tells the true story of how, as a teenager, Montano’s obsession with becoming a jockey led to unhealthy and unsustainable habits – e.g., drug usage, eating disorder – that nearly resulted in his self-destruction. Ultimately, however, his love of horse-racing connected him to dance, which in turn saved and defined his life. It’s a harrowing and unlikely coming-of-age story that’s beautifully portrayed by Montano’s passionate, inspired performance. Indeed, playing his younger self, in addition to the various people who shaped his life, the story the he tells is polished and skillfully put over. Throughout, Montano’s qualities as a trained dancer is evident in his highly physical, carefully calibrated depictions of horse racing, difficult-to-watch episodes of self-abuse, and quicksilver character changes (the play feels much more “populated” than your typical solo show). As his youthful woes wash away, we’re simply left with him euphorically dancing the night away.

A EULOGY FOR ROMAN
Through the Tollbooth Company at 59E59 Theaters

Just as traumatic in concept but more sweetly rendered is A Eulogy for Roman (RECOMMENDED), the uplifting show playing literally on the other side of the wall from Small. Written and performed by Brendan George, the piece tells the fictitious story of Milo, an awkward young man whose lonely, unpleasant upbringing (Milo, it turns out, is gay) in rural Pennsylvania was made tolerable only through his friendship with Roman, who passed away at the young age of just 25 years old. The show takes place during Roman’s eulogy, which Milo tentatively hosts – at least initially. A hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the solo show returns to New York to engage audiences in its unique way. Indeed, with the interactive help of audience members (it’s guaranteed that no two shows are alike), Milo in the end not only musters the courage to finish the eulogy, but in the process also finds renewed faith in humanity and the power of the imagination, and by extension theater. George does a terrific job of both endearingly portraying Milo while at the same time creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere for his audience, allowing us all to pause and take in the ephemeral beauty of human existence and community.