Changes

*Herbert Manfred, February 25, 1901

*Herbert Manfred, February 25, 1901

Originally the Marx Brothers were a singing group with Minnie managing the ensemble.  Called "The Nightingales", Milton and Julius would sing on stage with Mabel O'Donnell as early as 1905,<ref>[http://www.marx-brothers.org/marxology/mascots.htm Nightingales and Mascots], Marxology. Retrieved December 18, 2008.</ref> but the act quickly became a variety show in burlesque and vaudeville, with each brother taking part in comic sketches and/or showcasing his musical instrument of choice. As the act developed, the brothers created distinct stage personae, and in most instances would portray that persona regardless of their character in the play.<ref>[http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=86548&rss=mrqe Monkey Business (1931)], Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved December 18, 2008.</ref>  Leonard played the part of a seedy Italian con man and taught himself to play the piano, sometimes ending a glissando by "shooting" the last note with his index finger.  Julius was the smart alec; his act during a 1912 performance in Nacogdoches, Texas was interrupted by the audience departing over a runaway mule outside the theater, and when they returned the insults hurled at them by Julius in anger was something they actually thought was funny, leading Julius to incorporate them in future acts.  Adolf - who in 1911 changed his name to Arthur (he never liked his original name) - was the mute; a poor speaking performance in one play (1914's ''Home Again'') led to being silent in future plays, to great effect.  His original character was that of an Irish ragamuffin, and it is thought that this character led him to adopt the harp as his instrument.  Herbert, although funny in private, was seen as the "straight man"; in his own right he was an accomplished vocalist.   

Originally the Marx Brothers were a singing group with Minnie managing the ensemble.  Called "The Nightingales", Milton and Julius would sing on stage with Mabel O'Donnell as early as 1905,<ref>[http://www.marx-brothers.org/marxology/mascots.htm Nightingales and Mascots], Marxology. Retrieved December 18, 2008.</ref> but the act quickly became a variety show in burlesque and vaudeville, with each brother taking part in comic sketches and/or showcasing his musical instrument of choice. As the act developed, the brothers created distinct stage personae, and in most instances would portray that persona regardless of their character in the play.<ref>[http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=86548&rss=mrqe Monkey Business (1931)], Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved December 18, 2008.</ref>  Leonard played the part of a seedy Italian con man and taught himself to play the piano, sometimes ending a glissando by "shooting" the last note with his index finger.  Julius was the smart alec; his act during a 1912 performance in [[Nacogdoches]], [[Texas]] was interrupted by the audience departing over a runaway mule outside the theater, and when they returned the insults hurled at them by Julius in anger was something they actually thought was funny, leading Julius to incorporate them in future acts.  Adolf - who in 1911 changed his name to Arthur (he never liked his original name) - was the mute; a poor speaking performance in one play (1914's ''Home Again'') led to being silent in future plays, to great effect.  His original character was that of an Irish ragamuffin, and it is thought that this character led him to adopt the harp as his instrument.  Herbert, although funny in private, was seen as the "straight man"; in his own right he was an accomplished vocalist.   

===The nicknames===

===The nicknames===