Groucho: A Life in Revue

Groucho: A Life in Revue is a stage play written by Groucho Marx's son Arthur Marx and Robert Fisher. With musical direction by Jim Grady. It is a look at the life and career of the famous entertainer Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers and You Bet Your Life fame. It opened off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on October 8, 1986 and played 254 performances closing on May 3, 1987. It starred 23-year-old actor Frank Ferrante as Groucho Marx from age 15 to 85, Les Marsden as Harpo Marx and Chico Marx, Faith Prince as The Girls and Rusty Magee as The Citizen of Freedonia. It was directed by Arthur Marx. The play was produced by Nancy and Ronnie Horowitz.

Versions

The play opened with Ferrante and Marsden in London's West End at the Comedy Theatre in summer, 1987. Marguerite Lowell replaced Faith Prince as The Girls. In 1982, Gabe Kaplan filmed a version of the play, called simply Groucho, for television co-starring Connie Danese and Michael Tucci. In 2001, Groucho aired as a national television special on PBS starring Frank Ferrante as Groucho, Roy Abramsohn as Chico and Harpo and Marguerite Lowell as The Girls. It was directed for the stage by Ferrante and for the screen by Steve Moscovic.

Critical reception

The play opened to rave reviews. The New York Times wrote, "There is laughter in abundance" and described Ferrante's performance as "artful...his timing is digital sharp."[1] The New York Post dubbed it "hilarious...a brilliant revue."

Awards and honours

Groucho was nominated for two NY Outer Critics Circle Awards - one for Best Play and one for Ferrante's performance. Ferrante won a 1987 New York Theatre World Award for 'Outstanding New Talent.' The play received more critical acclaim and garnered three Laurence Olivier Award nominations.

References

1. Gussow, Mel (9 October 1986). "STAGE: 'GROUCHO: A LIFE IN REVUE' AT THE LORTEL". The New York TImes.