A Laugh-Filled Evening With Groucho
By Keli Demertzis
The arts can make us laugh or cry, inspire us, move us and — most importantly — entertain us. Frank Ferrante's one-man show, "An Evening With Groucho," succeeded in doing just that.
The one-night-only comedy show hosted by SCUPresents, starred Ferrante as Groucho Marx and featured Jim Furmston on the piano. Ferrante, who is also a producer and director, has starred in shows such as "Groucho: A Life in Revue," in which he won New York's Theatre World Award in 1987. Furmston is also a composer and recitalist, and he has spent time in Hollywood accompanying singers.
On Saturday night, Mayer Theater was nearly filled to capacity. Proceeds from the show funded Fusion Science Theatre, a Madison, Wisconsin-based outreach program for elementary schools that combines science education and playwriting exercises in order to engage young students.
For those who are unaware of Marx's influence on the entertainment business, the New York Times described Marx as "America's most gifted funny man." Known for his brash sense of comedy, his irreverent and physical humor, and his emphasis on audience involvement, Marx became famous for his Broadway acts, as well as his films during the 1930s and 1940s.
As the 90-minute tribute began, Ferrante stood onstage as himself, and the audience watched him gradually transform into Marx, using dark makeup to draw on Marx's trademark thick, black eyebrows and an over the top mustache. Ferrante's energetic performance proved that he was Groucho not only in looks, but also in spirit. He used the entire stage as he kicked up his heels, galloped and danced in Marx's signature over the top way.
Also reminiscent of Marx's signature performance style, Ferrante went into the audience and poked fun at vulnerable spectators. At one point, he picked up a ringing phone, then jumped into the audience and handed it over to a man. "Its for you, sir!" he cried. "It's your wake-up call!"
One audience member's bald head became Ferrante's crystal ball. And, during the second act, Ferrante replicated his own stage makeup on a 15-year-old boy, handed him a fake cigar, and introduced him as the next Groucho. "I can't do this show forever!" Ferrante yelled into the audience.
Ferrante has performed 2,500 times as Groucho across the nation. His acts are comprised of hilarious songs, silly dances moves and over-the-top audience participation, all while narrating the life of Marx.
"An Evening with Groucho" was recently chosen by NPR as one of the nation's top five, one-man shows, and Ferrante's performance clearly illustrated the reason why. His comical stage presence was consistent throughout the whole production, which left viewers laughing after the show ended and as Ferrante and Furnstom signed autographs and took photos.
"Frank (Ferrante) doesn't just do Groucho," said Groucho Marx's daughter Miriam Marx Allen, in a statement on the show's main website. "He is Groucho."
The show also kicked off the new Visiting Artists Series, which will continue throughout the academic year. With the series, SCUPresents, Santa Clara University's renamed Center of Performing Arts, has given students an opportunity to view the work of professional performing artists, ranging from comedies to musical recitals, without having to leave campus.
"An Evening With Groucho" is the first of professional performances that will grace the Santa Clara campus.
"This series will strengthen our commitment to the arts by bringing the finest professional artists to the Santa Clara community," said Butch Coyne, director of SCUPresents, in a statement about the series."Whether you aspire to take the main stage, or just enjoy watching others demonstrate their artistry, the arts play a role in our lives at Santa Clara, and the new SCUPresents program allows us to nurture that artsy side in us all."
Contact Keli Demertzis at kdemertzis@scu.edu or at (408) 554-4582.