Gabe Kaplan As Groucho (1988)

Gabe Kaplan was always fond of imitating Groucho Marx on his TV series Welcome Back, Kotter, so it was only natural that he expand this on-target impersonation into a one-man show. Kaplan's Groucho is not as multilayered as Lewis J. Stadlen's like-vintage solo stage interpretation of the character. Still, Kaplan knows where the laughs are and knows how to get them. Also, there is enough biographical material to give the monologues context, and to explain certain esoteric passages to non-fans of Groucho. Adding to the fun is the presence of Michael Tucci as both Harpo and Chico and Connie Danese doubling as Marx Brothers foils Margaret Dumont and Thelma Todd. Gabe Kaplan as Groucho was co-written by Groucho's son Arthur Marx and Bob Fisher. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi