Opening the Curtain
33 Variations
The heart of Moises Kaufman’s new play “33 Variations” comes about 2/3 of the way through. The audience finds themselves alone with Beethoven and his music. To the side of the stage is a pianist beginning to play Beethoven’s Variation #32 on a grand piano.
By Anthony Byrnes • • 3m ListenThis is Anthony Byrnes "Opening the Curtain" on LA Theater for KCRW.
33 Variations” comes about 2/3 of the way through. The audience finds themselves alone with Beethoven and his music. To the side of the stage is a pianist beginning to play Beethoven’s Variation #32 on a grand piano. Center stage, Beethoven, played with fanatic genius by Zach Grenier, is struggling to compose. The scene is one part music lecture and one part joyous voyeurism as we catch Beethoven in the moment of his creation; he struggles to find the right form, the right key, the right tempo - we hear the piano progress through the fugue, in E flat major, double time with Beethoven conducting our understanding of the music as much as the music itself. In that moment, we hear the piece with completely different ears and understand Beethoven’s passion in a new light. It’s absolutely thrilling.
“33 Variations” plays at the Ahmanson Theater in downtown LA through March 6th.
Tickets: 213.972.4400