Reviews for Kaufman and Co: Broadway Comedies

The average rating for Kaufman and Co: Broadway Comedies based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-02-01 00:00:00 Aaron Floky I would never have picked this up if not for the Read Harder 2016 challenge - and it was hilarious. I read "You Can't Take It With You," by Kaufman and Moss Hart, a kooky-family farce. Kaufman and Hart also wrote "Animal Crackers," as in the Marx Brothers, which gives you an idea of the tone here. I didn't read any of the other plays, because I find standard prose more engaging, but if I had a chance to see any of Kaufman's plays performed I would be thrilled.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-04-25 00:00:00 Sara Goldfeder Animal Crackers (****) -- This is an hilarious play (that the movie very closely follows). While reading it, though, I could easily visualize the Marx Brothers doing their bit. However, I think some of the Marx Brothers' set gags actually diminished what could have been an even better comedy. But you can't say the Marx Brothers held back any jokes -- no pun was too low to sink to. One note on this version: It uses a script owned by Groucho Marx, but leaves out important -- and I mean critically important -- plot details that explain what's going on. These scenes are included in the notes section, but I didn't read them until I finished the play. Very odd. (5/11) Of Thee I Sing (**) -- This is a humorous satire on politicians, but its satire ends up being very cynical by the end. Don't look for a positive role model in any characters of this play. They are all crooks. As a result, the play seems to bring out a cynical, passive, "what are you gonna do" attitude that I don't like. I guess it's a good play for our times. (5/11)