Playwright: George S. Kaufman, Morrie Ryskind, Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby. At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets: 312-443-3800; $25-$76. Runs through: Oct. 25
If you treasure the Marx Brothers, you're gonna treasure Animal Crackers. Guided by director Henry Wishcamper, the Goodman Theatre re-creates the Marx Brothers as a showbiz act ( or phenomenon, rather ) and also a period musical comedy, nailing them both.
Dating from 1928, Animal Crackers is a typical 1920s show with a thin story, several romantic interludes and broad opportunities for specialty dance numbers and comedy routines having no direct bearing on the story. The Marx Brothers themselves were one such specialty act emerging out of vaudeville, but they were made the stars of the vehicle rather than supporting players. The storya familiar Marxist attack on High Societyis episodic at best and dispensed with quickly to make way for the real entertainment.
To succeed, Animal Crackers requires actors who can be the Marx Brothers. Unerringly, Wishcamper and clowning director Paul Kalina have landed actors who channel the Marxes without doing slavish impersonations. Lookingglass Ensemble member Joey Slotnick is fast-talking African explorer Capt. Jeffrey T. Spaulding ( Groucho ) , Jonathan Brody is piano-playing Emanuel Ravelli ( Chico ) and Molly Brennan is the Professor ( Harpo ) in brilliant genderfuck casting. Mastering more than mere mannerisms, they have timing, slyness and teamwork. The usually comedic Ed Kross is Jamison, the bland role originated by fourth brother Zeppo. But Kross doubles as a romantic lead, and it's a treat to here him sweetly crooning "Why Am I So Romantic?"
Indeed, Wishcamper's big reinvention of Animal Crackers is to reduce the cast to only nine versus more than 60 in the original. With most playing multiple roles, he uses the actors' quick-changes as a source of fun in this inventive staging, elegantly costumed by Jenny Mannis on Robin Vest's art-deco, 1920s-style wing-and-drop set. The already-named players are joined by the expert likes of Ora Jones ( in the Margaret Dumont society matron role ) , Tony Yazbeck and Mara Davi as the Charleston-mad dance leads, and Jessie Mueller and Stanely Wayne Mathis as assorted others, each with a chance to warble well.
The little six-piece orchestra ( a true orchestra with strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion ) is under musical director Doug ( impeccable ) Peck who not only provides his usual tasteful orchestrations but also has the good sense to let the romantic numbers quietly and sincerely sell themselves.
Wishcamper and forces provide more of the original Animal Crackers than the classic film, and also have brought in bits and pieces of other Marx films. There are very few false steps, although one song could be cut and, yes, it's a shame that Brennan/Harpo doesn't really play the harp ( Brody/Chico does play the piano ) , and that the big, old-fashioned chorus line has been eliminated. Still, Wishcamper's clever concept and cast indubitably work in this vastly entertaining show.