Centerstage Presents Frank Ferrante in AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO

Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including "Hooray for Captain Spalding," and "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady." The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Greta Garbo, Marx foil, Margaret Dumont and MGM's Louis B. Mayer. A show perfect for all ages!

ARTISTS BIOS

Frank Ferrante is an actor, director, and producer described by The New York Times as "the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx's material." Animal Crackers and A Night at the Opera co-author Morrie Ryskind called him "the only actor aside from Groucho who delivered my lines as they were intended." Accolades for his various Grocho Marx portrayals include New York's Theatre Award, Outer Critics Circle Award (nomination), Laurence Olivier Award (nomination), and Connecticut Critics Circle Award. In 2001, Frank starred in, directed and produced the national PBS television program Groucho: A Life in Revue. Frank currently stars as the comic lead in the European cirque Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco and Seattle. For more information on Frank Ferrante's Groucho, log on to www.grouchoworld.com.

GROUCH MARX: The New York Times summed up the comedy genius as "America's most gifted funny man." Audiences and critics went ballistic over the Marx brothers' irreverent humor, the expert pantomime, the wisecracks, the physical shtick, the outrageous musical talent. From 1924 until his death, Grouch Marx, along with his four brothers changed the face of film and comedy forever. As a solo, Groucho launched a career on radio and television with his Emmy Award winning work as the host of the comedy quiz show You Bet Your Life (1947 to 1961). He made TV appearances, performed at Carnegie Hall at age 82 and received a special Academy Award in 1974 for the brilliant and unequalled achievements of the Marx Brothers'. On August 19, 1977 Groucho Marx died at age 86. His final request? "Bury me next to Marilyn Monroe."

RESERVATIONS

There are only two performances of An Evening with Groucho: Friday, March 10 - 8:00 pm, Saturday, March 11 - 2:00 pm; All tickets are $35 for adults , $30 for Seniors/Military, and $15 for youth 25 years and younger. The Box Office number is (253) 661-1444. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.CenterstageTheatre.com

CENTERSTAGE is Federal Way's resident Theatre Company. Founded in 1977, the company has produced shows at the Knutzen Family Theatre on the shores of Puget Sound since 1998. Artistic Director Alan Bryce and Managing Director Angela Bayler are committed to producing "innovative, accomplished productions of popular work and new work with the widest possible audience appeal." In April 2009, the City of Federal Way awarded Centerstage the contract to manage the Knutzen Family Theatre. The contract was renewed in April 2012 and again in 2015.

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