Galaxy of Stars opens with tribute to Groucho
Award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante will perform his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.
The 2015-16 Galaxy of Stars series begins with “An Evening With Groucho,” a fast-paced, 90-minute celebration of what would have been the entertainment icon’s 125th birthday. The two-act comedy features the best of Groucho’s one-liners, anecdotes and songs. Ferrante portrays a young Groucho of stage and film as he introduces the audience to brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, along with Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Margaret Dumont.
The New York Times described Ferrante as “the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx material.” He was discovered by Groucho’s son, Arthur, when Ferrante was a drama student at the University of Southern California. Ferrante had the title role in the off-Broadway production of “Groucho: A Life in Review,” which was written by Arthur. The role earned Ferrante New York’s Theatre World Award and an Outer Critics Circle nomination.
Tickets are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, and $7 for students and children. They can be purchased online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by contacting the arts center at 828.227.2479.
