Small World - co-written with Joe Lino

by Jillian Leff

FULL LENGTH - Jeff Award for New Work Nominee (2020) - It’s the end of the world…maybe? There’s no way to confirm for three cast members trapped inside their attraction at the happiest place on earth. The music won’t stop, there’s a body in the moat and one of the group is impaled under a brightly colored set piece. Can they force their way off the ride? And what waits for them on the other side? It’s a world of...

FULL LENGTH - Jeff Award for New Work Nominee (2020) - It’s the end of the world…maybe? There’s no way to confirm for three cast members trapped inside their attraction at the happiest place on earth. The music won’t stop, there’s a body in the moat and one of the group is impaled under a brightly colored set piece. Can they force their way off the ride? And what waits for them on the other side? It’s a world of hopes, it’s a world of fears. It’s a small world, after all.

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Small World - co-written with Joe Lino

Recommended by

  • Hallie Palladino: Small World - co-written with Joe Lino

    This dark comedy takes on the commercialization and corporatization of storytelling (especially the way Disney has co-opted, appropriated and regurgitated some of our most fundamental human narratives), but more than that, Leff & Leno address the epidemic of hate-based domestic terrorism by showing us our predicament in miniature, reminding us we're all trapped together on this small spinning world facing our shared mortality. As to how we choose to act in the fleeting moments we are granted, we always have a choice. This zany and terrifying play argues it is imperative to choose radical...

    This dark comedy takes on the commercialization and corporatization of storytelling (especially the way Disney has co-opted, appropriated and regurgitated some of our most fundamental human narratives), but more than that, Leff & Leno address the epidemic of hate-based domestic terrorism by showing us our predicament in miniature, reminding us we're all trapped together on this small spinning world facing our shared mortality. As to how we choose to act in the fleeting moments we are granted, we always have a choice. This zany and terrifying play argues it is imperative to choose radical compassion.

Character Information

  • Becca
    Scrappy, sassy, queer, and very much over Disney. Her spirit is almost crushed, but not quite. Doesn’t do well with blood, germs or excessive pep.
    Character Age
    Mid 20s - Early 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female-identifying
  • Kim
    The definition of excessive pep. A perpetual optimist, first year in the Disney College Program. Protective of the Disney law/code/rules. She sings a lot.
    Character Age
    Early 20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    BIPOC
    Character Gender Identity
    Female-identifying
  • Donny
    The picture of Disney perfection. A survivalist, super Christian but only interested in the end of world bits. More to him that meets the eye.
    Character Age
    Late 20s - 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male Identifying

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization The New Colony, Year 2018

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Columbia College Chicago, Year 2021
  • Type Professional, Organization The New Colony, Year 2019

Awards

  • Nominee for Best New Work
    The Jeff Awards
    Selection
    2020