CERRITOS – The biting humor of Groucho Marx will be recreated on stage at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. Celebrated for his quick wit, snarky one-liners and mastery of slapstick comedy, Groucho cracked up generations of fans and inspired the trademark Groucho eyeglasses that sport the fake nose, mustache and bushy eyebrows.

Frank Ferrante will recreate Groucho on stage in a two-act comedy set. The family-friendly performance includes Groucho’s best one-liners, anecdotes and songs, including “Hooray for Captain Spalding” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.”

In true Groucho style, the audience becomes part of the show, ensuring that no two performances are alike.

As Groucho Marx, Ferrante is “eerily good,” according to USA Today. He ad-libs through his portrayal of the young Groucho of stage and film and introduces an array of historical characters, including the rest of the Marx family, Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo.

The London Times called Ferratne’s performance “accurate and rooted in character.” He was discovered by Groucho’s son when Ferrante was a drama student at USC.

Ferrante won the 1987 New York’s Theatre World Award and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for his imitation of the comedian from age 15 to 85 in the off-Broadway “Groucho: A Life in Revue,” which was written by Groucho’s son.

Ferrante reprised the role in London’s West End and was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for “Comedy Performance of the Year.”

In 2001, Ferrante starred in, directed and produced the national PBS television program “Groucho: A Life in Revue.”

Tickets to the Cerritos show start at $20 and can be purchased online at cerritoscenter.com or by calling (562) 467-8818.

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Published: April 3, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 51