Silver Spring Stage Presents 33 VARIATIONS, Now thru 3/21

Silver Spring Stage presents 33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman, directed by Natalia Gleason and produced by Lennie Magida and Katherine Offutt, acclaimed drama of genius and illness that transcends time. 33 Variations will perform weekends tonight, February 27 to March 21, 2015.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sundays March 8 and March 15 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301) 593-6036.

The enigmatic progress of genius and illness mesh artfully with relationships, memory and the summoning up of life in Moisés Kaufman's metaphysical and cultural detective story called 33 Variations. 33 Variations premiered here in Washington in 2007 and debuted on Broadway in 2009 returning Jane Fonda to the stage in over 40 years. Kaufman, known for The Laramie Project and Gross Indecency: the three trials of Oscar Wilde as documentary style dramas with real words, explores obsession and passion with a fictional scholar investigating the historic mystery why Beethoven composed variations on a mediocre theme. Kaufman said, "The important thing in an archeological dig is not only the objects that are found, but looking at the dig itself, and seeing where every shovel came onto the earth. All of the marks are part of the thing that was rescued." In real life, variations often are better than their original; our digressions and transgressions deepen and improve what were our initial intentions. The scholar recognizes this in her relationship with her daughter. Beethoven tests and builds his ingenuity and creativity similarly with a simple tune. Kaufman has brilliantly crafted the story in 33 scenes with live music throughout the play. It is this fascination with originality and variation that will intrigue audiences with humor, heart and humanity.

33 Variations presents two time periods: present day and early 19th century. Musicologist Katherine Brandt (Yvonne Paretzky), is researching Beethoven's composition of the Diabelli Variations. She is also coming to terms with her diagnosis of ALS and her daughter (Karen Elle) and her daughter's new boyfriend Mike (Donta Hensley). She travels to Vienna in her pursuit and seeks the academic help of Gertrude Ladenburger (Malinda K. Smith), whom she also befriends as her illness progresses. In the other time, Anton Diabelli (Sandy Irving) has set out a challenge to composers to write a variation on his waltz. Beethoven (Joseph Mariano) takes up the challenge and becomes obsessed with completing the variations even though his deafness is near complete and his health and wealth declining. His friend Schindler (Mario Font) is confounded by this compulsion. Both Katherine and Beethoven are in a race against time to complete their projects. 33 Variations will have audiences enthralled with each chord.

The production team includes Vanessa Terzaghi (Assistant Director), Rob Allen and Alika Codispoti (Stage Managers), Eric Henry (Set Design), Steve Deming (Lighting Design), CJ Fujimura (Sound Design), and Kristina Martin (Costume Design).

Silver Spring Stage continues its 2014-2015 season with The Language Archive (Apr. 10-May 2), On the Razzle (May 29-June 20), and Venus in Fur (July 10-Aug. 1).

Silver Spring Stage has provided quality, affordable theatre for over 40 years. We are an all-volunteer, non- profit organization and appreciate any contribution to enable us to offer excellent and entertaining productions. Thank you for your interest and support of Silver Spring Stage. All programs at Silver Spring Stage are made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

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