An Evening With Groucho  Frank Ferrante loves Groucho Marx
(1890—1977) just like I do, and this one-man show is the closest
recreation of his brilliant anarchic wit and stiletto tongue
you're likely to witness. It's a freewheeling stream-of-
consciousness romp, equal parts autobiography, and musical
revue. Ferrante also pays tribute to Groucho's last showbiz
hurrah, the radio (and later television) game show You Bet Your
Life, by grilling audience members, too. Having perfected his
act over 25 years, Ferrante doesn't need much of a set. There's
a vanity where he paints on Groucho's eyebrows and mustache; an
old sitting chair and vintage phone (to hector his next
sputtering victim); and the redoubtable Jim Furmston on piano,
to play straight man and accompany Ferrante on a few tunes. The
show includes all the vaudeville and big-screen anecdotes you'd
hope for: how the Marx Brothers evolved from a musical act into
four unique comic characters; how they got their nicknames; how
they swapped Zeppo for Gummo, etc.