This Friday, July 12, at 8 p.m., you can bet that you won't believe your eyes as Groucho takes the stage at Algonquin Arts Theatre with plans to leave you in stitches with his one-liners, anecdotes, songs and audience interaction.
Award-winning actor, director and playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of the legendary comedian in "An Evening With Groucho" – transforming into the legendary character on stage at the top of the show with the trademark appearance; the greasepaint mustache and eyebrows, the exaggerated stooped posture, the glasses and, of course, the cigar.
Earning rave review from London to Chicago to New York and fresh off a more than two-week residency at the renowned ACT Theatre in Seattle, the all ages show comes to Manasquan for just one night. Grouchophiles will be delighted with this revival of classic comedy while a new generation will see what makes Marx comedy so timeless.
"When Frank Ferrante does Groucho Marx, all the shtick-the loping crouch, the rolling eyes, the cigar, the greasepaint mustache-comes back to life. See this man. He is comic genius," raved Seattle Weekly.
Tickets are available starting at $38 for adults, $36 for seniors and $28 for students online at algonquinarts.org, by calling (732) 528-9211 or at the Algonquin Box Office at 173 Main Street between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Individual tickets are subject to a $2 per ticket processing fee.
Accompanied on stage by his pianist-come-straight man, Ferrante keeps the high-energy show moving at a fast pace belting songs that Groucho introduced including "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady" and "Hooray For Captain Spaulding." It was in the latter role as the African explorer Captain Spaulding that Groucho uttered perhaps his most famous line of all-time: "One morning, I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don't know."
Ferrante has been described by The New York Times as "the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx's material." Discovered by Groucho's son Arthur when while drama student at the University of Southern California, Ferrante originated the off-Broadway title role in "Groucho: A Life in Revue" written by Arthur himself.
Groucho, born in 1890, mastered comedy in every entertainment media known – and some that weren't known during his lifetime. One of the famed Marx Brothers, he took the country by storm as part of a vaudeville act with their irreverent humor, expert pantomime, wisecracks, physical shtick and outrageous musical talent. On Broadway, he was part of a trio of hits including "I'll Say She Is," "The Cocoanuts" and "Animal Crackers."
In the 1930s, the Marx Brothers moved to Hollywood and changed the face of film comedy with their antics with nearly 20 years of hits. Following World War II, Groucho took to the airwaves as the host of the gameshow "You Bet Your Life" first on radio and then on television. Decades after his death in 1977, clips of Groucho's antics have millions and millions of views on YouTube.
About Algonquin Arts Theatre:
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and remembering Marialana and her love for children and the arts.
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