Get ready to laugh, New York, as events are popping up in Manhattan and Brooklyn this month to celebrate a milestone anniversary of Marx Brothers comedy.
It’s hard to believe, but the world-famous comedy act has been making people laugh since 1914. To celebrate this centennial-plus occasion, Marxfest 2024, a festival all about the Marx Brothers, will offer a series of shows, tours, screenings and more fun throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, from May 17 to 26.
Originally from New York City, the Marx Brothers graced the early stages of vaudeville, Broadway and cinema with their theatrical performances, slapstick comedy and witty senses of humor. Known most commonly as their stage names — Chico, Harpo, Groucho, Gummo and Zeppo — the family comedy troupe transcends generations, with re-runs, impersonations and classic films still making people laugh to this day.
Those performing and participating in Marxfest 2024 include actors Robert Klein and Austin Pendleton; New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik; Marx Brothers biographer Robert Bader; New York Times columnist Jason Zinoman; stage performer and director Frank Ferrante; writer, producer and director Christopher Hart; revivalist Noah Diamond; burlesque impresario Jonny Porkpie; vaudevillian historian Trav S.D; and Groucho’s grandson, Andy Marx.
Marxfest 2024 celebrates the legacy of the Marx Brothers at more than 20 events this month throughout the city. Highlights include:
Lots of Marx madness. Friday, May 17; 1- 6 p.m.; The 3 West Club at 3 W. 51s St – Grand Salon, Third Floor, Manhattan. Enjoy hours of Marx fun. Al Hirschfeld Draws the Marxes and Friends with Katherine Eastman, archives manager of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation and co-host of The Hirschfeld Century podcast. Christopher Hart, son of Broadway legends Kitty Carlisle and Moss Hart discusses his parents and the Marx Brothers. American writer, essayist, and a staff writer for The New Yorker Adam Gopnik takes on the relationship between Groucho and S.J. Perelman. Also enjoy unheard Marx Brothers, audio rarities with John Tefteller.
A roundtable walking tour. Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m., Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44 St, Manhattan. Meet in the lobby of the hotel. Tickets are available online.
A 1914-1915 tour of Home Again and more. Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 3 West Club, 3 W. 51st. Street, Grand Ballroom, Second Floor. New York Times comedy critic Jason Zinoman talks with Robert Klein, a friend of Groucho. Enjoy a discussion with Marx Brothers revivalist Noah Diamond, who will share The Thrill of ‘I’ll Say She Is’ in a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Broadway opening.
Night of Marx Brothers Era Music. Monday, May 20, Times vary. Birdland Theater; 315 W. 44 St., Manhattan. Starring Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks.
Kickoff weekend In Coney Island. Friday, May 24, 6 – 11 p.m., Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn. Enjoy an evening with Marx and Ferrante, a double bill for Marx Brothers fans: Andy Marx — artist, entertainer and grandson of Groucho and Gus Kahn — on stage with Frank Ferrante, the star of An Evening with Groucho, and Groucho: A Life in Revue.
More Coney Island fun. Saturday, May 25, 2 – 11 p.m., Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn. Enjoy The Wisecracks Around Here Were Not Appreciated, film professor and Slapsticon founder Robert Farr’s look at Marx Brothers films as seen through the eyes of small-town motion picture exhibitors, Marxes in the Stars: The Astrology of the Brothers & Their Mother with Kathy Biehl, and The Marx Brothers, Coney Island, and Sideshow with Trav S.D., author of The Marx Brothers Miscellany.
Harpo Summit. Sunday, May 26, 2- 11 p.m. Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn. Head to this exciting event, a celebration of the unique artistry of Harpo Marx featuring performers who have taken on the challenge of recreating his character, including Les Marsden, Seth Sheldon and more.
For more information, visit marxfest.org.
