Robert Montano
Cortesy of Robert Montano
Robert Montano is no stranger to being part of hit shows. In the last 40 years, the actor has built a pedigree that includes roles in the original Broadway productions of “Cats” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” as well as the film adaptations of “Chicago” and “The Producers.” Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight in a far more personal way.
Montano’s autobiographical one-man show, “SMALL,” returns Off-Broadway beginning May 20 at The Pershing Square Signature Center following its successful run at 59E59 Theaters. Written by and starring Montano, theproduction traces his journey from a childhood shaped by bullying over his stature to careers in horse racing and professional dance, exploring the emotional and physical extremes he endured along the way.
I spoke with Montano about his favorite Theater District institutions, why mezzanine seats are underrated, and the New York spots that still bring him peace.
Where do you live in NYC?
“I live on the UWS.”
What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
“I love the upper westside because it’s family oriented and I have easy access to Central Park, restaurants, bars, and the river. I get to ride my bike in these areas without too much congestion… especially by the river.”
Can you share some of your favorite spots in the Theater District and what makes them so great?
“Joe Allen, Sardis, Bea, and the West Bank Cafe are my favorite theatre haunts … there is so much theatre history at these places… whether there are posters on the walls, portraits, or ole bartenders telling stories of the past; it’s great. The West Bank Cafe holds a special place in my heart because my dear friend, Chita Rivera frequented that restaurant… I used to dance with her in various shows. She was my inspiration. I would meet her there every now and then for lunch as she had her own booth. There’s even a picture of her that still resides at that very booth!”
The best place for a pre- or post-theater meal and why? What are the dishes to order?
“I’d have to say Joe Allen before a show because there is so much theatre buzz and conversation about shows. Love listening to stories. And I love their Caesar salad with chicken… it’s tasty, light, but hearty!”
Best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?
“Bea and Glass Tavern… they both serve great Old Fashioneds!”
Any insider tips for enjoying an Off-Broadway or Broadway show?
“I feel a great tip to a theatre experience is grabbing seats in the mezzanine. I prefer the panoramic view looking from above where I don’t miss a beat! One more tip for those intermissions where bathrooms can get overly crowded you might want to exit the theatre and find your nearest pub… but you didn’t hear that from me. ;)”
What is the New York City theater you love going to most and why?
“That’s a hard question to answer because I love going to any theatre in New York. It’ll always be about the show and not location for me. But if I have to point out a theatre I love the most, it would be the Broadhurst because I had so many great times while doing Kiss of the Spiderwoman there.”
What other Off-Broadway or Broadway shows are on your radar right now?
“On my radar at the moment is, The Lost Boys, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and Buena Vista Social Club.”
Can you share your insider New York gems and favorite theaters around the world?
“Since I live here sometimes you can take your own stomping grounds for granted but my gem of places are Central Park and the river. These are my places of solace. And my favorite theatres around the world… I love the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, it’s old and quaint. And The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego… I got to perform there this past year. I love when you walk out of the theatre there’s another theatre next door and when the shows let out people swarm the front area… you feel the excitement and buzz… like you’ve shared the same experience together.”
My favorite moment in SMALL is…
“Playing my mother and father. Since they are both gone now, I get to bring them back to life in SMALL. They are now immortalized. They were amazing parents and truly missed every day.”
My biggest takeaway from SMALL is….
“… how the story effects the audience. It seems to resonate deeply as they often stick around after the show and share their own experiences with me. That they want to take on the very thing they feared most in their lives. I wrote SMALL for all the underdogs of the world and I get to share my true blemishes along with my small victories… there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I think most audience members feel akin to my story… the working man, the average person, never giving up, the person who strives for their goal, their dream.”
My biggest challenge as a performer is…
“Keeping my body healthy and in shape as SMALL is an incredibly physical show. I am running around, dancing, and morphing my body and voice into 24 different characters. I have to watch what I do throughout the day, save myself to tell my story, and do everyone of those characters justice and proud.”