"I didn't like the play, but then I saw it under adverse conditions - the curtain was up"

Groucho Marx's quote is a humorous way of revealing that his viewpoint of the play changed after he saw it under different scenarios. He indicates that his initial viewpoint of the play was not favorable, but after seeing it with the curtain up, his viewpoint altered. This could mean that the play was more enjoyable when he had the ability to see the stars and the phase, instead of simply hearing the discussion. It might likewise mean that the play was more satisfying when he had the ability to see the audience's responses. Either way, Groucho Marx's quote is a humorous method of revealing that his opinion of the play altered after he saw it under different situations. It is a reminder that our viewpoints can alter when we experience something from a different point of view.