By Steve Vertlieb: Saw “Groucho: A Life in Review” at The Walnut Street Theater last weekend, and thought it was superb. Frank Ferrante as Groucho (Julius) Marx is brilliant as he portrays the legendary comedian from his early days in burlesque and vaudeville to success at Paramount Pictures, while later at MGM under the watchful, discretionary eyes of Irving Thalberg and Louis B. Mayer.

The performance reverently follows Marx into his later years with new, wholly unexpected fame on television as the host of NBC’s classic quiz show, You Bet Your Life.

While Ferrante’s interpretation of Groucho as a young, anarchic, rising comic in the late twenties and early thirties is joyous, and hysterically funny, it is his later persona as a fragile, elderly, beloved comedic icon that is, ultimately, most endearing, poignant, and melancholy.

Worshipped by modern comedians and talk show hosts, such as Dick Cavett, Ferrante’s Groucho lapses into sadness over the loss of his beloved brothers, particularly Chico (Leonard) Marx whose tender love for his older sibling sustained each other through good times and bad.

The cheers of “Bravo,” with standing ovations and emotional cheers, at the conclusion of the performance were both heartfelt and endearing. Andy Marx, author Arthur Marx’s son, and Groucho’s grandson, pictured here with Ferrante and Groucho’s great granddaughter, appeared on stage before the curtains fell one last time to praise the star for his richly researched, inspired, and impassioned performance.

Arthur Marx, Groucho’s son, wrote the play upon which this performance was based, as well as the two funniest books that it has ever been my privilege to read … Life With Groucho, about his beloved father, and Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, concerning the storied careers of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Should this wonderful show visit your town or backyard, I urge you to see it. It is superb. Frank Ferrante has brought Groucho back to vibrant, vital life and comedic genius. “Minnie’s Boys” would be proud. BRAVO!