Local Comedian Revives Groucho Marx Play

Groucho Marx is one of the most revered and influential in comedy history. Generations of comedians have looked to his style for inspiration and influence, including local comedian Stevie GB who, beginning Jan. 29, will be producing Groucho: A Life in Revue, the story of Marx's life written by his son, Arthur.

"This is a show that's been done on Broadway for years," said Stevie, who's real name is Steve Gianturco. "I got the rights and decided to produce it."

The story chronicles Marx's beginnings in Vaudeville through his success in Hollywood and everything in between. "I age through the play which is kind of fun," said Gianturco, who stars as Groucho.

Harpo and Chico Marx are also in the play, played by Mike McKasty and Joe Gelish, respectively.

Gianturco had the idea of reviving the play, which originally debuted in 1986, for several years. He hopes that the play will be welcomed by fans of Groucho, and maybe even attract a new, younger generation of fans. "He’s a legend, and it’s been 70 years since the brothers have been around," Gianturco, 53, said. "I want to introduce his brand of comedy to a new generation. You don’t have to be a fan of his to enjoy it. Funny is funny. [Groucho] said 'there’s no such thing as an old joke that you’ve never heard before.'”

An accountant by day and comedian by night, Stevie's path to comedy was impromptu. “I kind of did it on a dare from some people at work," laughs Gianturco, originally from Brooklyn but has lived in Holbrook since 1996. "I tried it out and I was hooked. the rush and feeling of adrenaline of being in front of people trying to make them laugh. It’s really satisfying.”

Gianturco, who said his influences include Bill Cosby, Steve Martin and, of course, Marx, said he focuses his act on Long Island and its inhabitants. “I talk about how we don’t use street names and use landmarks," laughs Gianturco. "I poke fun at News 12. I like observational types of humor.”

On top of the Groucho production, Gianturco will also be producing a variety show in February, headlined by Chipps Cooney from the television show America's Got Talent.

He was also voted Long Island's third-best comedian this past summer by the Long Island Press.

Although accounting pays the bills, Gianturco said that isn't who he is. “Accounting is what I do, but comedian is what I am," he said.  "Just because I’m an accountant, doesn’t mean I’m dull and boring."

"I tell people I'm the world's funniest accountant," he said with a laugh.

The show will play from Jan 29-30 and Feb. 4-5 and you can purchase tickets by clicking here.