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Animal Crackers to Open at the Goodman

Rare Revival of Marx Brothers Classic

by Alison Weiss – September 8, 2009

It’s been 80 years since the Marx Brothers closed their musical hit Animal Crackers, the group’s third and final Broadway show, and moved forever from stage to screen. Revivals of Marx Brothers plays remain few and far between, perhaps because the group’s classic films have overshadowed their vaudeville origins, or perhaps because Minnie’s boys make for a tough act to follow.

Written by Broadway legends George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, Animal Crackers enjoyed a successful 1982 revival at Washington’s Arena Stage and played on the East Coast and West End in the early 90’s. But Chicago has yet to lend its goldmine of comedic talent to a stage production of the show — until now.

The Goodman’s production of Animal Crackers, which opens September 28, blends a roster of talents from both Chicago and New York. Native Chicago actor Joey Slotnick, of TV’s Boston Public and The Single Guy, will revive the famous Groucho Marx role of Captain Spaulding, though he’ll do it with his own unique spin (no figurative Groucho masks here). Molly Brennan, a powerhouse from Chicago’s 500 Clown troupe, will re-interpret the Harpo role of the Professor. Broadway actor Jonathan Brody, who recently appeared in Spamalot, revives Chico’s famous Emanuel Ravelli character, and Chicago stage vet Ed Kross plays the Zeppo role of Horatio Jamison.

The play follows the over-the-top mayhem that ensues when famous paintings go missing from an upper-crust Long Island estate during a party in honor of Groucho’s Captain Spaulding.

Mrs. Rittenhouse: Captain, this leaves me speechless.

Captain Spaulding: Well, see that you remain that way.

New York-based Henry Wishcamper, who recently assistant directed Steppenwolf’s August: Osage County on Broadway, directs. Wishcamper’s concept uses just 9 actors to play dozens of roles, upping the madcap antics factor.

Seems worth saving the date for pure fun that’s sure to be mixed with some skewering social satire. But maybe the date you save won’t be opening night. In a farcical twist worthy of the Marx Brothers, The Goodman has scheduled the opening of this play, both written and launched by Jews, about 22 minutes after the sun sets on Yom Kippur. This evening is usually set aside for breaking the 24-hour fast with a big family meal. Will the theater atone by providing a little nosh? Couldn’t hurt.

About the Author: Alison Weiss

Ever inquisitive, Ali conducts the "Nosy" interviews that bring you closer to the cheeky side of Chicago's creative types. She also contributes to the ‘Drama’ section and cannot resist writing up the occasional band or bar. She loves nothing more than telling stories, whether in writing, on stage or in video. A New York City native, Ali came to Chicago in 2003 to study a little improv and decided to stay. She has performed in theaters around town and is a published playwright with work produced all over the country. Most recently, Ali has delved into video editing and she currently works on content for the newly re-launched Playboy.com. She keeps her work and updates here.

Posted in Plays
I think the wonderful thing about doing theatre is that it's more of an actor's medium. I think that film is more of a director's medium. You can't edit something out on stage. It's there.
— Kim Catrall
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