I was raised on TV's "You Bet Your Life." From 1950 to 1956, the show was a weekly ritual. Even when I was in Asia in the late 50s, I could see it. Then there were Groucho Marx's films, solo or with Harpo and Chico. Groucho was part of my life.
In October 1986, Groucho: A Life in Revue opened in New York City, then went on to London with the same lead actor, 23-year-old Frank Ferrante. More than two decades later, on May 9, 2008, the show opened in Chula Vista at OnStage Playhouse. Director Bob Christiansen cast Jerrod Weintraub as horn-honking, non-speaking Harpo and Michael Dean Grulli as highly verbal side kick brother Chico. In each case, the actor captures his character well. Gruilli additionally expertly tickles the ivories, on occasion having to write the music after hearing it. Chico's song and style are never written down. Just a few feet away, off-stage, Eddi Giese, Albert Hsieh and John Procter (on horns, keyboards, and drums) are the band a first for OnStage Playhouse.
Groucho: A Life in Revue is Charley Miller's show. His Groucho ages from 15 to 85, most of it on stage before the audience. Rebecca Seubert is one of the two women playing multiple roles. Our only disappointment is that we don't hear her sing often enough. Kelly Wood, the other woman, also has many roles, which include at least one rather sensuous young lady. Paul Shaeffer is on and off the stage quite a few times, mostly as a stagehand.
Groucho: A Life in Revue is very much a revue of many of his best lines expertly acted by Miller. It is also, for many of us, a review of all that made us love the multi-talented Groucho.
Miller is seldom off the stage. He changes makeup and ages on stage. The production combines Groucho's quips with a comprehensive history of him and his family.
Even in asides to the audience, mostly ad libs, Miller never drops character. Grulli and Weintraub also work the audience. Sitting in the front row almost guarantees a part in the show.
For some, Groucho will bring back fond memories; for the rest, it is a look at a performer whose career spanned the entertainment spectrum from vaudeville and the stage to movies and television. All the supporting performers are solid, the music is entertaining, and Miller gives us a very believable Groucho Marx.
