CONEY ISLAND
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
An Evening with Marx and Ferrante
with Andy Marx and Frank Ferrante
This double bill is a dream come true for Marx Brothers fans. Andy Marx (artist, entertainer, and grandson of Groucho) presents excerpts from It Had to Be Gus, his musical tribute to his other famous grandfather, songwriter Gus Kahn. Frank Ferrante (star of An Evening with Groucho, Groucho: A Life in Revue, and much more) presents Becoming Groucho, a new and intimate talk in which Frank discusses his creative process and his long association with the role. Followed by an audience Q&A with Andy and Frank.
Porkpie presents
A Day on the Boardwalk,
A Night at the Strip Show
A burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers
All ye suckers who are gonna get trimmed, step right up for the big swindle: It's the second burlesque show the Brothers never did! Legendary Coney Island, where Harpo made his stage debut, is the setting for this new madcap frolic in the Marxian vein. In the bygone days of 1938, the Flim Flam Sideshow's house doctor teams up with a boardwalk grifter and a suspiciously silent merchant of wieners to stop an ambitious commissioner's scheme to shut down not only the 10-in-1, but everything Coney Island is famous for. Classic comedy meets carny meets the ol' bump-n-grind in this burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers, written by Jonny Porkpie (The Bawdy House, Marxfest 2014) and starring a cavalcade of burlesque performers. As Harpo himself said, "Burlesque is a legitimate form of show business. It’s the audience that perverts it."
SATURDAY, MAY 25
Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
2:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Margaret Dumont:
Our Coney Island Baby
FROM HENDERSON’S TO HOLLYWOOD
Reginald H. Pitts (appearing remotely)
in conversation with Kathy Biehl
A fascinating conversation about the Marx Brothers’ greatest costar, Brooklyn native Margaret Dumont (nee Daisy Juliette Baker). Kathy Biehl, who appeared in the dowager role in the revival of I’ll Say She Is, is joined virtually in conversation by Reginald H. Pitts, coauthor of the forthcoming Dumont biography Majesty of Missed Chaos.
The Wisecracks Around Here Were Not Appreciated
Exhibitors’ Reports with Robert Farr
Join film professor and Slapsticon founder Robert Farr for a look at the films of the Marx Brothers as seen through the eyes of small-town motion picture exhibitors, as reported in the trade papers. "This production was not worth the money paid for it," complained one exhibitor about The Cocoanuts, "and the wisecracks around here were not appreciated. Some people are still asking me what it was all about."
Marxes in the Stars
The Astrology of the Brothers and Their Mother
with Kathy Biehl
From their distinctive personalities to their legendary bond with Minnie to the mystery of Groucho’s enmeshment with Erin Fleming, fan-familiar details of Marxist doctrine were present from the start – in the Brothers’ birth charts. Take a tour of their stars with your guide Kathy Biehl, professional astrologer, actress (Ruby Mintworth in the 2014 and 2016 productions of I’ll Say She Is), and co-organizer of Marxfest 2014 and 2024.
The Marx Brothers, Coney Island, and Sideshow
with Trav S.D.
Trav S.D., author of The Marx Brothers Miscellany (2024), Rose’s Royal Midgets and Other Little People of Vaudeville (2020), and over 100 articles and lectures on Coney Island, explores the many connections and resonances between the comedy team and Coney, from the Marxes’ early performances at that playground-by-the-sea, to echoes of its carny culture in their films. One part boardwalk ballyhoo, one part dime museum lecture, you’ll be Shocked and Amazed by this new and original perspective on the Marx Brothers’ life and art. And don’t worry, folks -- it’s not all about At the Circus!
Porkpie presents
A Day on the Boardwalk,
A Night at the Strip Show
A burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers
(See description under Friday, May 24)
SUNDAY, MAY 26
Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
2:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Welcome Back: Gabe Kaplan on Groucho Marx
Gabe Kaplan, appearing virtually, in conversation with Danny Fingeroth
In addition to his celebrated work as a standup comedian and his beloved 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, Mr. 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! Join author and film critic J. Hoberman, writer and historian Danny Fingeroth, and Marx maven Noah Diamond, and other special guests 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.
Porkpie presents
A Day on the Boardwalk,
A Night at the Strip Show
A burlesque tribute to the Marx Brothers
(See description under Friday, May 24)