THE ORIGINAL
MARXFEST:
2014
The Marxfest Committee performs a solemn ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Algonquin Hotel, during “The Party of the First Part,” May 1, 2014.
MARXFEST was the brainchild of Kevin Fitzpatrick, who envisioned a month-long, five-borough festival to honor the centennial of the Marx Brothers' stage names in May of 2014.
To realize this goal, Kevin assembled a formidable team of deranged Marxians: Trav S.D., Brett Leveridge, Jonny Porkpie, Kathy Biehl, and Noah Diamond. And so the Marxfest Committee was born.
This page presents a selection of memories from MARXFEST 2014.
Advance Chatter
Algonquin Hotel:
The Party of the First Part
Noah interviews Frank Ferrante on stage, following Frank’s performance of An Evening with Groucho in Freeport, Long Island
Notable Marxians assemble for Kevin’s Algonquin Round Table walking tour
Trav delivers his lecture From Angels to Anarchists: The Evolution of the Marx Brothers at Coney Island USA
Notable Marxians visit the Brothers’ childhood home on the day of the “Marxes in Yorkville” event
Kevin kicks off his Algonquin Round Table walking tour at the legendary hotel
Virtual Shindig with Bill Marx
In rehearsal for Music of the Marx Brothers
Music of the Marx Brothers: Gelber and Manning perform "You're Just In Love" at 54 Below
Marissa Mulder, Dandy Wellington, Tonna Miller, Bill Zeffiro, Noah Diamond, Rebekah Lowin, Kate Manning, Jesse Gelber, Steve Ross
Tonna Miller and Bill Zeffiro on Music of the Marx Brothers
Music of the Marx Brothers: Dandy Wellington and Jesse Gelber perform "Mama Wants To Know Who Stole The Jam" at 54 Below
The sign on our dressing room door
Music of the Marx Brothers: Noah Diamond (as Groucho Marx) and Bill Zeffiro perform "Omaha, Nebraska" at 54 Below
Robert S. Bader: The Marx Brothers on Television and Marxes in Manhattan
The Marx Brothers on Television: Special guests Dick Cavett and Robert S. Bader at the Players Theatre
Marxes in Manhattan: A recreation of the Leroy Trio, with Richard Taylor Pearson as Gene Leroy, Kit Russoniello as Johnnie Morris, and Zachary Catron as Julius Marx. Produced by Kathy Biehl.
Marxes in Manhattan: Zachary Catron as Julius Marx. According to Robert S. Bader, Minnie Marx bought "Hello, Mr. Stein" from the publisher. The Marxes introduced the song in 1907, and continued performing it for most of the next decade. Produced by Kathy Biehl.
The Marx Brothers on Television: Dick Cavett tolerates the Marxfest Committee at the Players Theatre.
Marxes in Manhattan: Zachary Catron as Julius Marx, performing at a Metropolitan Opera House benefit for the victims of the San Francisco Earthquake, on May 4, 1906. Produced by Kathy Biehl.
Marxes in Manhattan: Rob Schwimmer of the New York Theremin Society performs "Alone" from A Night at the Opera. This performance was part of a presentation by Robert S. Bader, produced by Kathy Biehl at the Players Theatre.
Prior to its acclaimed runs at the New York International Fringe Festival and Off Broadway at the Connelly Theater, the historic I’ll Say She Is revival was born at Marxfest.
Marxfest's staged readings of I'll Say She Is, at the Players Theatre on May 23 and 25, 2014, were the first time the show was seen on stage since the original production closed in 1925. Photo by Jonathan M. Smith.
I’ll Say She Is talkback, May 25, 2014: Following the second staged reading, Trav S.D. moderates a Q&A session with Meg Farrell and Noah Diamond.
The return of Pinchbottom Burlesque’s
The Pinch Brothers in The Bawdy House
Jonny Porkpie, James Tigger! Ferguson, and Scout Durwood in Pinchbottom Burlesque's outrageous Marxian burlesque show, The Pinch Brothers in the Bawdy House. Photo by Nishell Falcone.
