Peil, Odeh, Etc. Set for Kaufman's 33 Variations in D.C.

Arena Stage opens its 57th season with the world premiere of 33 Variations, a new drama written and directed by Moisés Kaufman.

"A co-production between Tectonic Theater Project and Arena Stage, the play examines Beethoven's life and creative process as he obsessively composes 33 variations known as the 'Diabelli Variations,' late in his life. Struggling to uncover the source of his fixation is Katherine, a modern-day musicologist. Kaufman's D.C. directorial debut weaves performances of Beethoven's compositions, played live by acclaimed pianist Diane Walsh, and original projection design by Jeffrey Sugg into the action of the play," state press materials.  33 Variations runs August 24 - September 30 in the Kreeger. The press opening performance is Thursday, August 30 at 8:00 pm.

"Kaufman explores the creation of the 'Diabelli Variations' through the character of Katherine Brandt, a respected modern-day Beethoven scholar. Against her daughter Clara's objections, Katherine travels to Beethoven's archives in Bonn, Germany in order to gain access to his creative process, humor and profound humanity. As Kaufman's play begins to decipher the clues Beethoven left behind, Katherine discovers a greater revelation not only about herself but also about his enduring, transformative work."

Eight actors bring the premiere of 33 Variations to life on the Kreeger Stage, and all but one make their Arena Stage debut. Mary Beth Peil (The King and I, Nine, "Dawson's Creek"), who plays contemporary musicologist Katherine Brandt, was last seen at Arena in the 1995 production of A Month in the Country. Also onstage, performing selections from the "Diabelli Variations," is acclaimed concert pianist Diane Walsh.  The production will feature Don Amendolia (Stepping Out, My One and Only) as Anton Diabelli, Greg Keller (Uncle Vanya, The Rainmaker) as Mike Clark, Susan Kellerman (Whose Life Is It Anyway, Judgment at Nuremburg), as Gertie Ladenburger, Graeme Malcolm (Translations, Aida) as Ludvig Van Beethoven, and Laura Odeh (The Rivals, King Lear) as Clara Brandt.

Moisés Kaufman (Playwright and Director) recently directed the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright on Broadway. The play garnered Kaufman an Obie Award for his direction, as well as Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel nominations. Recent work includes directing Macbeth with Liev Schreiber (Public Theater), Lady Windermere's Fan (Williamstown Theater Festival), This Is How It Goes (Donmar Warehouse), One Arm by Tennessee Williams (Steppenwolf Theater Company) and Master Class with Rita Moreno (Berkeley Repertory Theater). As a writer/director, his work includes Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Joe Callaway Award, GLAAD Media Award) and The Laramie Project (Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk nominations, GLAAD Media Award). The Laramie Project has become one of the most produced plays in the country. In London's West End, Mr. Kaufman directed Gross Indecency and I Am My Own Wife. He also directed the film adaptation of The Laramie Project for HBO. The film was the opening night selection at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and won the National Board of Review Award, the Humanitas Prize and a Special Mention for Best First Film at the Berlin Film Festival. The film also garnered Mr. Kaufman two Emmy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Writer. He is the Artistic Director of Tectonic Theater Project and a Guggenheim Fellow in Playwriting.

Projection Design by Jeffrey Sugg prominently features Beethoven's sketches onstage throughout the production, complemented by the Costume Design of Janice Pytel, Lighting Design by David Lander, Sound Design by Andre Pluess, Choreography by Peter Anastos and Wig Design by Chuck LaPointe. Production Dramaturg Mark Bly and Musicologist Dr. William Kinderman have both contributed research support on this production for the last several years.

"Tectonic Theater Project (Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director; Jeffrey LaHoste, Managing Director; Dominick Balletta, General Manager) is an award-winning company whose plays (such as The Laramie Project, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and I Am My Own Wife) have been performed around the world. Since 1992, TTP has produced innovative works that explore theatrical language and form, fostering an artistic dialogue with audiences on the social, political and human issues of the day."

Visit www.arenastage.org for tickets and more information.

Photo of Mary Beth Peil by Linda Lenzi