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Groucho: A Life In Revue
By Arthur Marx and Robert Fisher
Directed by Marshall Stern
At Chicago Jewish Theatre
5123 N. Clark
Chicago, IL
Call 773-728-0599, tickets $25
Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 2 & 7 PM
Running time is 1 hrs 45 min with intermission
Through November 20, 2005
Groucho’s bio full of zingers
Groucho: A Life In Revue is a tough show to do. It is part musical comedy revue, part biography of Groucho Marx (and his brothers) that covers 20th Century American entertainment through song, dance and delicious old-time vaudevillian routines. This production has some misses but mostly hits. The early scenes featuring the talented teen, Andrew Behling, seemed forced and under rehearsed and failed to deliver the famous Groucho-style humor. Once Behling slows down a tad, he’ll he fine.
But once these uneven parts got going, everyone relaxed and we start to laugh at the marvelous and wacky Marx Brothers humor. We learn about the poor show biz family as they work the vaudeville circuit in the early decades of the 20th Century. We see that Groucho (Marshall Stern) and Chico (Gregg Morelli) has a mutual respect (even love) that lasted a lifetime. We see that Chico is a gambler, womanizer while Groucho is a frugal faithful family man and we see that when the Marx Brothers act needed work or a new venue, it was Chico who arranged these bookings usually via a card game.
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Filled with many fine Marx Brothers humorous routines, bits and business from their movies and vaudeville act, this revue delivers a worthy glimpse into the genius of the brothers. Blending biographical scenes with song, dance and funny bits, this show thoroughly entertains. I liked Gregg Morelli’s Chico as he had the timing, accent and body language down and he played off Marshll Stern’s Groucho with aplomb. Paul Jaquith’s Harpo was a hoot as he warmed the audience and delivered the trade mark horn-hooking humor. Nancy Howland Walker was terrific as the numerous women from Margaret Dumont to Groucho’s wives.
Ultimately, this show rests with Marshall Stern’s portrayal of Groucho. Stern, who also directs, landed the famous comedian deftly as he had the greasepaint moustache, long black coat, cigar in hand, the rolling eyes, the stooped body language going as his impeccable comedic timing delivered the Groucho-style humor, one-liners and retorts perfectly. As he played the aging Groucho, Stern got better and after a time, I began to see and hear Groucho. (I grew up with Groucho’s hit TV show, “You Bet You’re Life”).
We learn about Groucho the family man and his many wives (all much younger), his special relationship to Chico and his need to entertain. His last hit show was in 1972, at age 82, when he played Carnegie Hall. The Marx Brothers humor is timeless and Groucho’s quick insults just keep coming. Marshall Stern renders a fine Groucho.
This production is a serviceable glimpse into the wacky world of the Marx Brothers and Groucho. You’ll stop at the video store to rent Marx Brothers movies and you’ll look for re-runs of “You Bet Your Life” on the cable once you taste their humor.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
This show eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award
October 20, 2005
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