Duck Soup Reviews
THEATRE & DANCE INTERVIEW | JUNE 18, 2009
Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup
By George Walker
Russell McGee with Hayden Moore and Shani Wahrman are putting the Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup back in the theatre and they’re making it into a musical.
George Walker talked with Tom Slater the choreographer for the show and actor Nate Stanger who plays the Chico Marx role. “Tom, actually part of the film that you’re working from came from the stage, because the Marx Brothers took some of the routines out on tour to test them with audiences. What do you think about putting the show back on stage? “
“Well, I’m not really a huge Marx Brothers fan. I like them, I enjoy them, but I’m not a dyed-in-the-wool Marxian. Frankly, I think that the routines and the dialogue are much funnier live on stage than they are in the movie. So I actually have to say that the great thing about the filming is that it gives us a visual record to work with.”
Actor Nate Stanger also felt that the films are useful. Stanger is a big strapping fellow while Chico Marx and all of the Marx brothers were small. “I’ve tried to compensate, by using the films to pick up the little gestures, the mannerisms that made Chico distinctive, “ he said. “Also, Chico had a very eccentric way with an Italian accent and it’s helped to have the recordings.”
The Merry Mac Players Community Theatre production the “Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup” directed by Russell McGee with music direction by Shani Wahrman and choreography by Tom Slater plays Friday and Saturday evenings at eight and Sundays at two June 19-21 and 26-28, 2009 at The Depot, 210 North Marion Street in Martinsville.
Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup
Merry Mac Players community theatre
Directed by Russell McGee
Music Direction by Shani Wahrman
Choreography by Tom Slater
June 19-21 and 26-28, 2009
I went to see the preview performance of Duck Soup. This is really not one to be missed, you may never get a chance to see it on stage again. Russell McGee, Hayden Moore, and Shani Wahrman have adapted the uncopyrighted stageplay to the stage but basing it on the screen play adding back scenes not seen in the movie. Note: If you are familiar with the movie they have added a scene at the end. I was surrounded by folks from a local nursing home and let me tell you this was a perfect audience, they really enjoyed the show and were full of memories of the Marx Brothers. I know who Groucho was and have have heard of Chico and Harpo but other than that, I had never seen any of their movies and I too enjoyed the vaudeville slapstick comedy. The 4 Marx Brothers: Groucho, played by Daniel J. Petrie, Harpo played by Hayden Moore, Chico, played by Nate Stanger and Zeppo, played by Dennis Wilson were a formidable team with excellent stage chemistry. The supporting cast did a nice job of completing the story. The music was catchy, there were some sound issues this night but I am sure they will be fixed for future performances. The preshow music and the movement music was a blast from the past. The costumes went a long way to telling the story. I was there early and saw them do a cue check out of costume and it was amazing the difference the costumes made when they came on stage. Totally transformed some of the actors, especially all of the dresses of Mrs. Teasdale, played by Stephenie Courter. If you are from the Bloomington Area you will see more of your favorite actors besides those already listed including: Aimee Taylor, Shani Wahrman, and Roy Sillings. Those are the actors I recognized. The set was simple but effective with 3 levels creating 3 different playing spaces and rooms. There is even opportunity for interacting with the audience. As far as Community Theater, this was a wonderful musical and from experience I know each show will just get better and better. It is a small audience so make your reservations today. If you know a senior citizen, bring them along, you will enjoy the show that much more from the memory experience. Performance Dates: June 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 and 21 and 28 at 2. Contact Ruth Rusie at 765-342-3266 for reservations or Email. This is Playing at The Depot 210 North Marion St. Martinsville, IN www.merrymacplayers.com Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All you have to do is make a reservation to get the $10 price, so make sure you call and leave a message.
Sheila 6-21-2009
Reservation & Ticket Information
Reservations:
Contact Ruth Rusie at 765-342-3266 or Email
Tickets:
$ 10.00 advance purchase
$ 12.00 at the door
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show. Seating is first come first serve.
All advance tickets not claimed 15 minutes prior to show will be released.
Discover the "Merry MAC Players"
The Depot
210 North Marion Street Martinsville, Indiana 46151
Where stars are born.