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ABOUT ME
PLAYING HARPO CHANGED MY LIFE!
A Harpo has something for everyone, including an original skit done as a Vaudeville-style act. Often
I just do a harp solo, my performances can be done between other entertainment. I've appeared at fairs, parades,
fundraisers, parties, nursing homes, private events, and even grand openings. Wherever I go I usually interact with
the public, as a roving entertainer, even if I don't do a performance.
I never dreamed I'd be playing
Harpo, especially in public. It's because of music that I was drawn to Harpo, when I saw him play, he melted my heart
and renewed something wonderful from deep within me. My prayer has been answered.
This whole career started with
a prayer and a movie. See "How It All Began," in my list of other pages.
A BIG Thank
you to Everyone, ESPECIALLY to Carol, for helping me develop my act and keep Harpo's memory alive. Playing Harpo
changed my life in the most amazing way which I never could've imagined. I give thanks every day for my new lease
on life. My life has turned around from the brink of despair and hopelessness, to one of joy. Thanks also to Harpo,
I'm opening up new doors which I never dreamed possible, one of which is learning to read and write music, though the
original Harpo never did learn.
Like the
original Harpo, I'm a child at heart, part comedian, musician, love people, especially children, love animals, am very
silly and playful, but not as mischevious as he was. I love having fun and making people laugh.
I emphasize his playful side and always have a toy with me. Many adults like the toys, too! It doesn't matter if people
don't know who Harpo was, though it's my sincere hope I can peak their interest in the entertainment of an era long
gone.
Even
when I'm not Harpo, I always bring my toys wherever I go. Many of you have seen me with them. I love
having them with me.
The original Harpo was a big kid who
just wanted to have fun, and so am I, so that's how I play him. Growing up is highly overrated, anyway. I'm
sure he'd agree. To appreciate and enjoy Harpo, it helps to understand how important music, humor, and love are, especially
when we can keep the child side of us alive and healthy.
Such people are more often very loving and artistic
themselves. Few adults can tap into that childlike innocence like Harpo could, despite also having adult interests.
I've seen him catch one woman he chased, but he never hurt her, though I forgot about one movie where he whacked a woman
on the butt with something, because she was helping an evil man frame someone. So far that's the only time he ever
hit a woman, and, being it was in a movie, he didn't really hit her, I'm sure they just made it look that way.
I
play Harpo for fun, and enjoy donating my time to the various groups and events in my community. It still
amazes me how much they enjoy that I added to Harpo's personality, instead of copying him exactly. The original Harpo
was often considered to be a clown, though I don't think he played it as such. He described himself in words
like, entertainer, and, comic actor. I feel the same way, as you can see from my self description. Being labeled
a clown has hurt me very deeply.
I am deeply honored that people see the Harpo Spirit in me. Most people who see my act enjoy it. I think
Harpo would've liked how I play him, and his family might, too. If any of them find out about me, I'd be very nervous.
Harpo was a wonderful entertainer; I'm learning a LOT from him! There will never be another like him. It is with
the deepest respect, admiration, and love that I play him; it's also for these reasons I don't feel right using his
full name, though there are other performers who use the names of the people they portray.
On Feb. 12, 2008, I finally sent a letter to Bill Marx. The letter is
a little different from the one I had at the site before it moved, which I may put back on. If I can find
the actual letter I wrote, I'll post it. I don't expect a reply, all I hope is he knows how Harpo changed my
life. I sincerely hope Bill got my letter and it warmed his heart to know how much Joy his dad has brought to me.
All I know is my life has forever changed- 2006 was the HAPPIEST year of my life!
A friend showed someone a pic of me and Harpo together, and the person
asked who was who, or, "Which one is which?" WOW! What a compliment! At home I have photos of
me as Harpo and have had people ask me if that was him. Many tell me how much I look like him. I'm still amazed
and deeply honored. Sometimes people say
I'm a reincarnation of Harpo, but that's impossible, I was born while he was still alive; others say I'm channeling
him, BUT, if that were true, shouldn't I be able to do everything he did? I sincerely appreciate the sentiment.
When I'm not playing Harpo, I am Ariel, the singing harpist, among
my many talents. See the "2 in 1 Entertainment" link, and you will see I am two entertainers for the
price of one!
Site Notes: This site was moved recently and is still undergoing major work on all
pages. When complete, the pages to be updated most often will be this page, and "Appearances",
and, "Performance Journal," which will include the 2007
and '08 journals. New pages will be listed here and marked as new.
NEW!
The Children's Room
NEW! Journal 2007 & 2008 --
Under Construction
Ongoing -- Performance
Journal
Detailed Page Descriptions:
"Appearances," shows where A Harpo
will be, and lists recent past events.
"2 in 1 Entertainment"
gives an in-depth view of A Harpo, and also introduces Ariel, the 2nd entertainer you can have for your event, because
I'm 2 entertainers in 1!
"How It All Began," explains how I
came to play Harpo, and how it changed my life.
"Tribute to Harpo Marx,"
shares some of the original Harpo's life.
"Entertaining
Our Children," voices my concerns for what passes for entertainment and how it influences our children.
"Under the Wig," gives some background about who I am and a glimpse
into my life.
"Performance Journal," has my thoughts on my
experiences playing Harpo. The journal for '07 & 08 will share those years, too. For now, they'll
be combined on one page.
"The Children's Room," explains
to kids about Harpo and why I play him.
"Site Survey," is a form
for visitors to rate this website.
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