LAST DAY of MARXFEST 2024
and WHAT A DAY!
at CONEY ISLAND USA
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
SUNDAY MAY 26 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Ticket price includes all 3 events in the Museum
Welcome Back
Gabe Kaplan on Groucho Marx
In addition to his celebrated work as a standup comedian and his starring role on TV's Welcome Back, Kotter, comedy legend Gabe Kaplan has had a long association with Groucho Marx. He originated the role of Groucho in Arthur Marx and Robert Fisher's biographical stage play, in which he appeared extensively on stage and in the 1982 HBO film Gabe Kaplan as Groucho. Appearing virtually in conversation with writer and historian Danny Fingeroth, Kaplan will discuss his experiences with Groucho, the character and the man.
Did Someone Call Me Schnorrer?
The Marx Brothers and Jewish Identity
with J. Hoberman, Danny Fingeroth, and Noah Diamond
Don't pass over this! New guest announced: Author and film critic J. Hoberman will now join writer and historian Danny Fingeroth and Marx maven Noah Diamond for a thoughtful exploration of the Marx Brothers' relationship with Jewishness, in their work and in their lives. Okay, Mr. Moskowitz!
The Harpo Summit
A Talk About Not Talking
with Les Marsden and Charlene Fix (virtually!) and Seth Shelden, Tigger!, and Keaton Harper (in person!); moderated by Kathy Biehl
A celebration of the unique artistry of Harpo Marx, just down the block from where he made his stage debut in June 1908! Featuring performers who have taken on the challenge of recreating his character, including Les Marsden, (A Night at Harpo’s), Seth Shelden (I’ll Say She Is), and more, as well as an exploration of the mythic aspects of Harpo’s character.
May 26 at 9:00pm
A Day on the Boardwalk,
A Night at the Strip Show
A burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers
Dateline: 1938! After shutting down NY’s striptease shows, an ambitious city official turns his prudish attentions to Coney Island, scheming to terminate the 10-in-1, the thrill rides, the midway games, and everything else the People’s Playground is famous for! It’s up to the Flim Flam Sideshow's house doctor, a boardwalk grifter, and a suspiciously silent merchant of wieners to thwart the pernicious politico … with burlesque! Classic comedy meets carny meets the ol' bump-n-grind in this burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers starring Jonny Porkpie as the Groucho, Lady Scoutington as the Chico, Tigger! as the Harpo, and Audrey Love (5/24), Dutch Baby, Jo Weldon, Mat Fraser, Peekaboo Pointe (5/25 & 5/26), Susie Dahl, Miss Coney Islands Gigi Bonbon and Miss Frankie Eleanor, and more! A new madcap frolic in the Marxian vein, live on stage at the Coney Island Sideshow!