Arts & Entertainment Bainbridge Island
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FAMED FUNNYMAN TAKES THE STAGE
Friday, December 27, 2013 • Bainbridge Island Review
groucho
Frank Ferrante brings his Groucho Marx to Bainbridge BY LUCIANO MARANO Bainbridge Island Review
Standing among the most recognizable figures of the 20th century, alongside Elvis Presley, Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe, you will find a short rude man from Manhattan wearing round glasses and a thick greasepaint mustache. He would most likely be chomping a cigar. He would definitely not be impressed by the lineup. By the time of his death in 1977, Julius Henry “Groucho” Marx had left a legacy in American popular culture that is, arguably, unmatched to this day. Throughout the course of his life he, with the rest of the Marx Brothers, would conquer the mediums of stage, radio, film, music and television. Giants of entertainment including Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld, Woody Allen and Bill Cosby have all named him as one of their major influences. His legendary insults and innuendos are as repeated and imitated today as they ever were. “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” “I never forget a face, but in your case I’ll be glad to make an exception.” “I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.” The man surely left some rather large shoes to fill, but lucky for theatre fans around the world, Frank Ferrante has the right-sized feet. For anyone who never got the chance to truly experience the legendary comedian, a second chance has come along. Ferrante — an award-winning actor, director and playwright — is bringing his own recreation of the Groucho persona to Bainbridge Performing Arts for a very special one-time-only show at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. “It’s been a lifetime study,” Ferrante said of his playing the character of Groucho. “I’ve loved him from the time that I was a child,” he said. “I read all the magazines, books and letters. It just became more and more intense as I pursued a professional career in theatre.” Ferrante, who was described by the New York Times as “the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx’s material,” was first discovered by Groucho’s own son, Arthur Marx. Ferrante originated the
Images courtesy of Bainbridge Performing Arts
Frank Ferrante brings his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx to Bainbridge Performing Arts for a one-time-only performance at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Tickets are on sale and available at www.bainbridgeperforming arts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA (200 Madison Avenue N). The cost is $20. off-Broadway title role in “Groucho: A Life in Revue” (written by Arthur Marx), portraying the famed comedian from age 15 to 85. He also starred in, directed and produced the national PBS television program “Groucho: A Life in Revue.” He has now condensed some of the best of his renowned Groucho material, as well as some new quips, into the mani-
cally hilarious 90-minute performance “An Afternoon With Groucho.” “It’s forever daunting because of the responsibility,” Ferrante said of the pressure that accompanies assuming the notorious persona. “I respect his legacy and his contributions so much. I always see it as an undertaking that has merit and value because I get to share him with audiences
that might not know him.” Far from a simple impersonation, Ferrante considers his portrayal of Groucho to be more of a recreation of the man’s stage personality and an homage to his comedic style. “I’m not crazy about so-called tribute turn to groucho | A17