The Mikado staring Groucho Marx

DSCN2173The Half Priced Books in Sugarland has the strangest (or crappiest, you choose the adjective) records in town.  That being said, I spent $30 during my last trip.  I totally still am geeking out over two records I bought there, this being one of them.  I paid, you guessed it, $1 for this masterpiece. Groucho_Marx_Koko_the_Mikado_Bell_Telephone_Hour_1960

This is the studio recording of the 1960 NBC Bell Telephone Hour’s production of The Mikado.  Groucho Marx, who was a huge Gilbert and Sullivan fan, apparently enjoyed taking the role of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner.  Oddly enough, his daughter played the role of Peep-Bo.  As the original production was two hours, a good chunk had to be excised in order to fit into a 53 min slot.  Hardcore Savoyians and Gilbert and Sullivan snobs are going to  hate this but I think it is just awesome. While the purists will object to Marx’s voice, I would argue that for the role of Ko-Ko, it is more important to be funny than a great singer.  Marx does this very well.

DSCN2174I know posting more than two songs equates to laziness on my part, but I really dig this album.  Here are two numbers that showcase Marx and two that have Marx singing with the others.  I included some brief dialogue to these tunes as well. If I had to choose one of the songs,  would go with “I’ve Got a Little List”. groucho_marx_marxism_ohp_postcard-p239361244071807990z85wg_400

I am still pretty stoked I found this. There are a whole lot of better recordings of the Mikado (there also are a lot worse-see my post from April) but I love the concept of Marx as Ko-Ko.  Top Rating.

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Marx with George Carlin