"An approximation of the original that is utterly convincing, and darned entertaining as well...Mr. Diamond himself plays Groucho, and he might as well be Groucho. Matt Roperâs Chico and Seth Sheldenâs Harpo are also meticulousâŚThis is a vaudeville hodgepodge at heart, with a little bit of everything thrown in...Itâs all light as a feather, underscoring just how much tastes in humor have changed, even as it reminds us how brightly the Marx Brothersâ brand of lunacy once blazed."
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âAmanda Siskâs scruffy but lovable production benefits from oodles of hey-kids-letâs-put-on-a-show enthusiasm and a remarkably talented foursome as the Marxes. Noah Diamond makes for a more youthful but hilarious Groucho. Seth Sheldenâs blissful Harpo plays Debussy on the harp, accompanies Chico on piano and channels the loony icon with utter sweetness. Nostalgic yet fresh, any whiff of mothball about the material is wafted away on gales of laughter.â
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"I've seen several Groucho impersonators in my time and Diamond is one of the bestâŚThere's no question that they have stayed true to the loose-limbed, anything for a laugh ethos of pre-'Show Boat' Broadway...Shows like 'I'll Say She Is' depended to a certain degree on making a visual splash -- something that is beyond this production's resources. Still, the laughs never stop, and, under Sisk's pacey direction, the two-and-a-half hours breeze by."
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âUnfortunately, this vaudeville-style show seems terribly dated. As
directed by Amanda Sisk, the pace isnât fast enough so that the material isnât as
funny as a Marx Brothers movie. The one liners like âTwo decks of cards
and not a brain cell between themâ arenât very funny anymore.
Styles change in humor as they do in sons. The melodies are bouncy, but the
lyrics are generic twenties rhymes and rhythms of which there are better
examples to be heard.â
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"A plot-light but hilarious revue, equally true to its source material and engaging to contemporary audiences...The cast and production team have clearly done their research, painstakingly capturing the Brothersâ iconic personalities and distinctive comedic rhythms. Marx Brothers aficionados will appreciate the leadsâ spot-on impressions...Yet, even those with little to no familiarity with the Marxes can enjoy the showâs daffy entertainmentâŚA solidly entertaining gem."
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"This show is dated, silly, overlong, but entertaining enough to warrant a visitâŚThe sense of anarchy, that something witty and arch will emerge from the mouths of the four actors portraying the Marx Brothers, keeps this lightweight spectacle rolling alongâŚDiamond captures the energy of the young smart-ass GrouchoâŚHe keeps the show together, quipping and improvisingâŚSheldon cleverly plays up the mischievous qualities of Harpo."
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"'Iâll Say She Is' would certainly be a welcome addition to the seasons of theatre companies around the country and beyondâŚThe production has many splendid moments, both comedic and musicalâŚChapâs arrangements here help make several of the songs infectiousâŚSome comic bits are staged deftly, but the pacing lagged in placesâŚNot every actor is pitch perfect...Diamondâs youthful-looking Groucho and Seth Sheldenâs sweetly impish Harpo are audience favorites."
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"Shelden, Roper, and Diamond are all fine replicas of the originals...If youâre a diehard Marxist, youâll appreciate the nostalgia they inspire and will admire their impressionist skills; if youâre not, seeing them cavort in a nonsensical storyline peppered with not a single memorable song or dance over two and a half hours is an endurance test I recommend only if TCM canât satisfy your Marxian cravings...The production...is so cheesy you may want to spread your favorite jam over it."
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