|
ABOUT ME
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.
PLAYING HARPO CHANGED MY LIFE! 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.
In one of the movies, Harpo told a woman
he's only 5- this is my imitation of that scene.
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. Since I began doing this, I've integrated that playful side of him into my personality.
Thanks to Harpo, that shy little girl has been magically transformed.
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. When I'm him, I seem to know just what to do. 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!
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 journals for '07 & '08 will detail those years, too, those 2 will 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.
Site Notes: The pages to be updated most often will be this page, "Appearances",
and, "Performance Journal," which will include the 2007
and '08 journals. New pages will be listed below, and marked as new.
NEW!
The Children's Room
NEW! Journal 2007 & 2008 --
Under Construction
Ongoing -- Performance
Journal
|
