La Jolla Playhouse Presents the West Coast Premiere of 33 Variations
Mandell Weiss Theatre (La Jolla, CA)
Rated 3.6 by 35 members who went.
Written and directed by one of the most produced playwrights today, Moisés Kaufman, 33 Variations is 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. Beethoven's indisputable genius and humanity come to life in this remarkable production featuring on-stage music performed by pianist Diane Walsh.
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The last event was Sunday April 20, 2008 / 7:00pm. (view all dates)
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20 Member Reviews
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- Yvonne A.
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Yvonne A.
Member since 2003
27 Reviews
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33 Stars for 33 Variations!
What a great experience. The actors were very well cast. The special effects were daring. The plot was innovative, informative, serious and humorous.
~Yvonne and Gary
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- Sandy L.
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Sandy L.
Member since 2004
6 Reviews
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The set, lighting, costumes, music, acting, directing were 4-star, especially the technology used. I would rate the script good but not engaging emotionally. The humor interspersed in the script helped a lot with emphasis on Anton Diabelli's character. The parallel plots of Beethoven with health issues and rage, and Katherine Brandt with health issues and rage seemed well scripted, as did the characters of Anton Schindler,the companion of Beethoven's ,and the Clara Brandt,daughter of Katherine suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. Lifeline characters were Dr. Gertie Ladenburger and Mike. Great job by all actors and the talented pianist. Kudos to set designer. My theater companion is a Beethoven expert, and she enjoyed the play more than I did. Her companion, that would be me, has seen thousands of plays. Some are well written but not engaging emotionally. I found "33 Variations" incredibly successful in the areas I mentioned, but I felt preached to by the main characters who delivered speeches rather than tugged at the audience's heartstrings. However, I would recommend this play to Beethoven fans, classical music buffs, and those who love a play for more reasons than just the script. For me, the set designer deserves 5 stars.
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- debra
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debra
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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we saw it on a preview night, so maybe it will improve with age. really interesting premise which did not really work well. at 2 1/2 hours, it would have benefitted from some good editing. great set and strong actors however, who did what the could with the material.
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- Valerie
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Valerie
Member since 2004
2 Reviews
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I LOVED it!!! The play was compelling merging two time periods together and getting to see Beethoven's work and how he worked to accomplish his masterpieces. Our seats were great!
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- Valerie Thatcher
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Valerie Thatcher
Member since 2004
1 Reviews
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33 variations was a beautiful and touching play-at times joyful and hilarious, at other times somber and sobering. Moises Kaufman did an excellent job of giving us insight into Beethoven's life and creative process and the presence of a live concert pianist playing throughout the performance was fantastic. I especially enjoyed how Kaufman portrayed the different relationships within the play-they were filled with poignant depth and real emotions. The actors were also very good. I would highly recommend this play to anyone who enjoys a good play and great music.
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- Arnold S.
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Arnold S.
Member since 2006
3 Reviews
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Excellent show, very well acted, great set design
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- Anonymous Member
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Anonymous Member
Member since 2007
7 Reviews
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Absolutely loved it! The staging, lightening and special effects were fantastic, and the actors terrific!
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- Anonymous Member
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Anonymous Member
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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The play is not as good as "I am my own wife", but still a nice play. Great performance and lighting/decorations
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- Anonymous Member
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Anonymous Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Very special performance and play. Definitely recommend it!
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- KATHARINE MILLOY
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KATHARINE MILLOY
Member since 2004
17 Reviews
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This was a first-class production, with thought-provoking ideas and explanations. Extremely well done! Thank you! It was an outstanding theatre experience.
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- Tracey
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Tracey
Member since 2006
6 Reviews
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I REALLY did enjoy it. A quality performance. I don't remember a warning that there is a flash of nudity other than inside the theater doors so be forewarned.
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- Rimma Zubarevsky
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Rimma Zubarevsky
Member since 2004
1 Reviews
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This play was superb! The cast is fantastic!
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- Save me a seat!
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Save me a seat!
Member since 2005
6 Reviews
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Interesting and complex story line, well-acted, intelligent script. The 1st act seemed to run little long considering the arc of the story line, but things picked up during the 2nd act. I liked the way the author orchestrated the 3 main characters to be dealing with their individual issues simultaneously on stage. And the music just added to the enjoyment of the whole experience.
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- marc
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marc
Member since 2005
4 Reviews
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- Richard Stern
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Richard Stern
Member since 2007
6 Reviews
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- Donald E Smith
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Donald E Smith
Member since 2005
5 Reviews
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A VERY interesting play. Very well done. Liked it enormously.
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- Anonymous Member
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Anonymous Member
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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Didn't really know what to expect. Love Beethoven, but not familiar with the "variations"...The first half dragged on - wasn't sure if the intermission was intermission, or time to leave. Stayed for the second half...happy I did. There was a nice mix of history, comedy and a few scenes that brought tears to my eyes. The pianist was fantastic...It would have been nice to hear her play even more!! Acting was good ...some better than others. Pretty good seats, too. Overall, I AM glad I went.
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- Anonymous Member
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Anonymous Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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A thoroughly enjoyable, creative, and inspiring production. Much more than I was expecting.
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- Anna G.
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Anna G.
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Excellent cast - pianist was amazing. Great show.
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- Debbie
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Debbie
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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WE all loved the show. The performers especially Kathryn and Beethoven did an excellent job. the pianist was outstanding and the whole set/lighting was also so well done. We were very impressed!!
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More Details
Written and Directed by Moises Kaufman
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven
In Association with Tectonic Theater Project
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, Moises 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.
