Frank Ferrante is not that kind of impersonator. Sure, his act is called An Evening With Groucho and essentially consists of Ferrante slipping into the Groucho Marx persona but Ferrante doesnt just impersonate Marx, he channels him. Ive done it for so long that its in me, Ferrante says of the show, which has been going since 1984. I dont even review the material anymore. I do a vocal warm-up and stretch before a show, and thats basically all thats required of me at this point; I can fit into it like a glove.
Which hed need to: While the show incorporates classic bits, one-liners and numbers from old Groucho routines, the real meat of the performance is Ferrantes effortless riffing, out in the crowd, chomping on that cigar and sticking it to the man or whatever random audience member happens to catch his eye. The improvisation gives the show that unknown element, that dangerous element, notes Ferrante. Thats why its never boring, this show. I never know whats going to happen.
Whatever it is, it will happen tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway. Tickets are $25; to purchase yours, or for more information, call 303-987-7845 or go to www.lakewood.org/culturalcenter
Fri., Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., 2010