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  New York , New York - Broadway Premiere
33 VARIATIONS
 
33 Variations

in association with Tectonic Theater Project
written and directed by Moisés Kaufman
Starring Jane Fonda, Samantha Mathis, Colin Hanks and Zach Grenier
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven

February 9 through May 29, 2008
at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (New York, NY)

*Mature content: partial nudity

Vienna, 1819...the powerful music publisher Anton Diabelli writes a small, insignificant waltz and invites the great composers of the time to write a variation on it.  Ludwig van Beethoven at first rejects the commission, finding the work trivial and unimportant. For unknown reasons, however, the master changes his mind, becoming obsessed with the theme for four years, ultimately writing 33 variations on the waltz. Now considered the most important work in variation form, these “Diabelli Variations” are the cause of a centuries-old mystery: why would a composer of such genius become obsessed with a common trifle?

Out to become the first to uncover Beethoven's enigmatic motivations, present-day musicologist Katherine Brandt travels to Beethoven's archives in Bonn to study the variations first-hand. As Beethoven's indisputable genius and delightful humanity come to life on the sheet music in front of her, she not only reveals the true nature of his gift, but also comes to embrace the beauty and legacy of her own life.   

Written and directed by one of the most produced playwrights today, Moisés Kaufman, 33 Variations is a feast for the senses and the spirit. The story of Beethoven's fascination with a trivial waltz and the modern-day musicologist who sets out to discover the root of his obsession, makes its West Coast premiere at La Jolla Playhouse. Beethoven's indisputable genius and humanity come to life in this remarkable production featuring on-stage music performed by pianist Diane Walsh.

 

From the official 33 Variations web page:

A mother coming to terms with her daughter.
A composer coming to terms with his genius.
And, even though they're separated by 200 years, these two people share an obsession that might, even just for a moment, make time stand still.

Two-time Oscar winner JANE FONDA heads a cast of eight in the new play written and directed by MOISÉS KAUFMAN, author of The Laramie Project and director of I Am My Own Wife. Drama, memory and music combine to transport you from present-day New York to 19th-century Austria, in this extraordinary new American play about passion, parenthood and the moments of beauty that can transform a life.


Reviews of 33 Variations, New York, NY...
Chicago Tribune - Fonda in 33 Variations: Obsession to a Genius Lead to U of I (March 20, 2009)
Associated Press - Never a Plain Jane, Fonda Makes Broadway Return (March 11, 2009) by Mark Kennedy
BBC News - Fonda Returns to Broadway Stage (March 10, 2009)
Broadway World - 33 Variations Opening Night Photo Coverage (March 10, 2009)
Chicago Trinune - Jane Fonda Braves Broadway... (March 10, 2009) by Linda Winer
Financial Times - 33 Variations (March 10, 2009) by Brendan Lemon
Los Angeles Times - Jane Fonda in 33 Variations (March 10, 2009) by Lisa Fung
New York Times - Beethoven and Fonda: Broadway Soul Mates (March 10, 2009) by Ben Brantley
Playbill - 33 Variations - Beethoven's Last Jam (March 10, 2009) by Harry Haun
Washington Post - 33 Variations Hits Some of the Right Notes... (March 10, 2009) by Peter Marks
Gothamist - Director Moises Kaufman, 33 Variations (March 9, 2009) by Elisa Winter
New York Times - A Musical Giant Obsessed with a Little Tune (March 4, 2009) by Anthony Tommasini
USA Today - 33 Variations Puts Fonda Onstage (March 2, 2009) by Elysa Gardner

(back to 33 Variations main page)


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