AWARD-winning actor, director and playwright Frank Ferrante will bring his internationally acclaimed portrayal of comedian Groucho Marx to Newcastle's Civic Theatre this month.
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Ferrante's An Evening with Groucho is made up of one-liners, anecdotes and songs made famous by Marx who, along with his brothers, changed the face of comedy in the early 1900s.
The audience becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style.
Marx and his brothers - Harpo, Chico, Gummo and Zeppo - had a string of vaudeville hits in the 1920s, hitting it big time with musical comedy I'll Say She Is.
I'll Say She Is moved to broadway in 1924 and was an instant sensation.
Two more broadway hits followed - The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers, introducing audiences to Groucho's most renowned incarnation, Captain Spalding the African Explorer.
In 1930, Groucho and his brothers moved to Hollywood and changed the face of film comedy.
Groucho also had a solo career on radio and television with his Emmy Award-winning work as the host of comedy quiz show You Bet Your Life, which continued for 14 seasons.
Ferrante starred as Groucho in the off-broadway and London show Groucho: A Life in Revue, penned by Groucho's son Arthur Marx.
The Newcastle show starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, July 19.
The Examiner has two double passes to give away to the show.
To go into the running, send your name and contact details in an email titled "Groucho" to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
Winners will be announced at 5pm on Wednesday, July 16.
