'33 Variations' Begins Two-Week Run at University Theatre on Friday

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A scene from '33 Variations'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – 33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman begins on Friday, Sept. 28, at the University Theatre. Nominated for five Tony Awards in 2009, including best play, the production merges the stories of Ludwig von Beethoven and Katherine Brandt, a modern-day musicologist recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

At the end of his days, Beethoven obsessively devoted his talents to creating 33 variations on a seemingly pedestrian waltz. As Brandt struggles against the disease’s onset, she searches to unearth the mystery of the composer’s uncanny dedication to this unusual project. Her relentless search hits a roadblock when her grown daughter Claire enters the scene. Claire, who can never seem to live up to her mother’s standards, tries to dissuade Brandt from continuing her research in light of her failing health.

Flashing between 19th century Germany and Brandt’s overwrought journey of discovery in the present, 33 Variations digs into the complexities of human relationships, the fierce resilience of the individual psyche and the looming inevitability of mortal decay. Ultimately, it reveals humility and grace enough to redeem us all. 

Amy Herzberg, professor of drama and head of the Master of Fine Arts acting program, directs a cast of graduate and undergraduate students. Other production support includes assistant direction by Kholoud Sawaf, scenic design by Ashley Harman, costume design by Kelly Henry, lighting design by Diana Kaiser, sound design by Will Eubanks, choreography by Gail Leftwich and technical direction by Patrick Stone.

Kaufman, a Tony-winning and Emmy-nominated director and award-winning playwright, served as a McIlroy Family Visiting Professor in 2011. In that role he conducted workshops with students in the department of drama and gave a public presentation on professional collaboration among playwrights, directors, designers and actors.

The production will run Sept. 28 through Oct. 7.  Performances are at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the University Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.

Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for faculty, staff and seniors, and $7 for children. University of Arkansas students may attend the show for free with their University of Arkansas student I.D. on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 3 and 4, or for $3 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. University Theatre accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

The ticket office will open Monday, Sept. 24. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to each performance. For reservations by phone, call the University Theatre Ticket Office at 479-575-4752. This production is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Parking is available in the Stadium Drive Parking Facility and is free after 5 p.m. Entrance to the parking facility is on Stadium Drive, and the facility’s elevator will take patrons to street level directly across from the Fine Arts Building.