Zach Grenier to Reprise Role in 33 VARIATIONS at Ahmanson in 2011

Zach Grenier will reprise his Tony Award-nominated role in "33 Variations" at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre, joining two-time Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda who stars in the compelling new play written and directed by Moisés Kaufman. The West Coast premiere of "33 Variations" will be presented January 30 through March 6, 2011. Opening is set for February 9.
Both Grenier and Fonda will perform the roles they played in the 2009 Broadway run of "33 Variations." The play was nominated for a total of five Tony Awards, including Best Actress for Fonda and Best Featured Actor for Grenier.

In "33 Variations," the audience is transported back and forth from present-day New York to 19th century Austria, when a musicologist (Fonda) is determined to solve the musical mystery of why Beethoven (Grenier) spent his last years feverishly writing 33 variations of what appeared to be a mediocre waltz.

Diagnosed with a serious disease, the scholar dismisses her daughter's concerns and flies to Europe to study Beethoven's original papers. It is here that a heartfelt and moving story unfolds of how two remarkable individuals separated by 200 years defy mortality for a short, precious time and revel in their respective passions.

Zach Grenier has performed in regional theatres from Maine to Alaska and was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance as Yvan in Yasmina Reza's "Art" at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago. In New York, he has appeared in productions ranging from the avant-garde plays of Richard Foreman and Mac Wellman to more naturalistic fare at The Circle Repertory Company, Manhattan Theatre Club and Ensemble Studio Theatre, of which he is a member.
At Circle Rep, he worked with Julie Harris in "Fiery Furnace." He originated the role of Dr. Chapman in David Rabe's "A Question of Mercy" at New York Theatre Workshop (Outstanding Artist Award from the Drama League). His performance as Dick Cheney in David Hare's "Stuff Happens" at the New York Shakespeare Festival was recognized with Ensemble Awards by both the Drama League and the Drama Desk. On Broadway, he appeared in the Roundabout Theatre Company production of "A Man for All Seasons" as Thomas Cromwell to Frank Langella's Thomas More. Grenier recently ended an acclaimed run of "Gabriel" by Moira Buffini at the Atlantic Theater Company.

Over the course of some 30 films, Zach has worked with film directors such as Ang Lee on "Ride with the Devil," Werner Herzog on "Rescue Dawn," and David Fincher on "Zodiac" and "Fight Club." His most recent credit is the independent feature "Earthwork," directed by Chris Ordal.
On television, Zach was a series regular on two critically acclaimed shows, "C-16: FBI" and "Touching Evil," was featured on "Deadwood," as well as on "24," and on the original "Law & Order." Zach is returning this year to the Emmy-nominated CBS show "The Good Wife."
Entertainment Weekly called Grenier's portrayal of Beethoven "an irascible genius channeled with gusto . . . ," while Don Sheward of Backstage said, ". . . passion is supplied in spades by Zach Grenier's disheveled, tempestuous Beethoven."

Praising Jane Fonda's "robust and confident performance," Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News said, "The Oscar winner brings everything to this role that's made her an iconic film star: Pure enthusiasm, toughness tempered by vulnerability, and that distinctive voice which makes every line fascinating."

Jane Fonda's work on stage and screen has earned numerous nominations and awards, including Academy Awards (Best Actress in 1971 for "Klute" and in 1978 for "Coming Home") and an Emmy Award for her performance in "The Dollmaker." Along with starring roles in dozens of highly acclaimed productions, Fonda also took on responsibilities as a film and television producer for projects, including "Coming Home," "The China Syndrome," "Nine to Five," "Rollover," "On Golden Pond," "The Morning After" and "The Dollmaker."

Fonda will head a cast of eight in the play created by Kaufman, who received Tony Award nominations for "33 Variations" (Best Play 2009) and for "I Am My Own Wife" (Best Director 2004), and most recently directed the acclaimed "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" at the Mark Taper Forum and earlier at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. He also directed his play "Gross Indecency" at the Taper in 1998.

Further casting for "33 Variations" will be announced at a later date.

"33 Variations" is the second production of the 2011 Mark Taper Forum season, though the play will be presented at the Ahmanson Theatre. It is currently available to Taper season ticket holders, and to Ahmanson Theatre and Kirk Douglas Theatre season ticket holders as a bonus option. In mid- November, "33 Variations" will be on sale to the general public. For information and to charge season tickets by phone, call the Exclusive Season Ticket Hotline at (213) 972-4444. To purchase subscriptions on-line, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org. For information regarding Project D.A.T.E. (sign language-interpreted, open caption and audio described performances) call TDD (213) 680-4017 or voice (213) 972-4444.