Small World (59E59 Theaters) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (101)
See it if You like a thoughtful conversation, a little bit of absurdity, classical music, to think about the nature of art and commerce
Don't see it if The idea of simply listening to a conversation between just two characters for the entire play seems boring Read more
See it if you have interest in either Disney and/or Stravinsky. This smart two person play provides insight and humor into their imagined interaction
Don't see it if you don't have any clue what Fantasia is and you don't care.
See it if You want to learn more about Walt Disney and Igor Stravinsky. First scene takes place is 1939. Very interesting and informative.
Don't see it if If you have no interest in Disney and Stravinsky. If you don't like smaller theaters with minimal set design.
See it if you want to hear more about two famous men, Disney and Stravinsky, and listen to different perspectives about art, music, meaning of life...
Don't see it if you don't like small theater spaces, prefer musicals or more action. Read more
See it if you enjoy two unlikely characters, Stravinsky and Disney thrown together to "collaborate" on Disney's "Fantasia" with hilarious results.
Don't see it if You dislike Stravinsky and/or Disney, aren't interested in the perennial art/commerce dialectic, don't appreciate witty writing and acting. Read more
See it if You are interested in a discussion about art vs. commerce. You are curious about the personalities of Stravinsky and Disney.
Don't see it if You need more than a two-person talkfest when you see a show. Read more
See it if You would like to experience the contrast of American optimism with old world intellectual fervor. Fast paced, witty and well acted.
Don't see it if May not be for all audiences, if you are not familiar with Stravinsky and 20th century classical music.
See it if Disney fan, then you must enjoy fantasy and should love to be immersed in these imaginary conversations. Not sure I would call it a comedy.
Don't see it if If you want music, drama, strong conflict or emotional tugging this is probably not your cup of tea.
Critic Reviews (18)
“It takes considerable liberty with the facts but still manages to create a viable image of the personalities involved…What makes the play and its performances absorbing is the clash of these titanic temperaments…Stroppel manages to keep the dialogue hopping as Disney and Stravinsky go through the throes of their artistic rites…Whether you're a Disney or Stravinsky fan…you should find 'Small World'…a fascinating backstage confrontation between two of the greatest artists of the last century.”
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"The dialogue is witty and does not condescend to the audience. The views of both men get their due. D’Ambrose is marvelous as Stravinsky and Shanahan makes a fine Disney...Joe Brancato’s direction is fluid. My only quibble is about the length. At 75 minutes without intermission, it seems either too short or too long...I think it would be even better as a one-hour play on a double bill."
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"A shallow sketch attempting to address big themes but producing only occasional chuckles and mild nods of recognition...D’Ambrose and Shannan give competent impersonations of the great figures and Joe Brancato delivers a neat staging, but there’s nothing new here. Deep art doesn’t sell as well as pleasant cartoons. Geniuses can be temperamental bastards. Quel surprise!"
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"There is much humor in the dialogue between the two men...The dialogue between Disney and Stravinsky is cleverly written, and director Joe Brancato keeps the confrontations between the men lively...'Small World' makes a misstep by tacking on a superfluous coda...It would have been better to have figured out an ending without the clumsy ploy. But even so, the play is filled with enough wit to make seeing it a very enjoyable experience, with special appreciation for the fine acting."
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"The play is smart, amusing, and illuminating; both characters are well drawn...A somewhat thin ending might be rewritten for more significant revelations...To watch Shanahan describe an animated sequence is to see it come to life before you. The actor appears boyish but never insubstantial...Stephen D’Ambrose is suave, dignified, dark, and extremely sure of his own genius...Director Joe Brancato uses minimal set to excellent, low-key effect."
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“Much of the conversation centers on the major issues all artists face…A lot of this may seem old-hat. But in Stroppel’s hands, all these topics glisten like the morning dew…Best of all, the show is also funny. And it’s funny in a very smart way…Shanahan is excellent as the sometimes clueless animator…But D’Ambrose steals the show because he accomplishes something much more difficult. He makes Stravinsky’s grandiosity, self-love and scorn for the common man equally amiable.”
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"One of the highlights of the play shows the creative process of each man...Brancato’s direction works well, keeping the story tightly focused on the issues raised, with numerous bits of trivia tossed in. But the final scene feels rather contrived as though the playwright tries to end on a forced high note. While interest in 'Small World' will largely depend on how one feels about the two depicted, the play has a lot to say about the lengths one will go to realize their particular artistic vision."
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"Stroppel’s fantasia, 'Small World,' in which towering composer Stravinsky butts heads and egos with unbeatable Disney, is simply a delight...Director Brancato handles his star-quality cast with kid gloves in this uncanny environment...seamlessly making them real for us...But, of course, it’s playwright Stroppel’s words and thoughts, wit and sensibilities that matter most. I wish there were more, more. I could have danced all night."
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