Majestic Theater opens 17th season with ‘33 Variations’Date: 9/19/2013 WEST SPRINGFIELD – The 17th Season of live theater at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater opened with “33 Variations” on Sept. 12.
The play, by Moises Kaufman, infuses drama, humor and poignancy as it tells the story of renowned musicologist Dr. Katherine Brandt, who travels to Bonn to study Beethoven’s 33 variations of a simple waltz which was composed in 1819. His Diabelli Variations (considered the “greatest of all piano works”) were named for the author of the original waltz who encouraged Beethoven and other Austrian Empire composers to create their own versions. Critics praise the work, which transports audiences by music and memory from present day to 19th century Austria, for its ability to combine the themes of passion, parenthood and moments of beauty that transform a life.
Theater Project veteran Barbara McEwen (“Barefoot in the Park,” “The Full Monty,” “Savannah Disputation”) plays Katherine and is joined by cast members Darcie Champagne (“Barefoot in the Park,” “Lies & Legends: The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin”), James Emery (“The Odd Couple,” “The Fantasticks”), Jarice Hanson (“Disturbed Theatre”), Buzz Roddy (“Stones in His Pockets,” “Skin Deep”), Jon Saulmon, Benjamin Cole and Larry Picard.
Theater Project Founder Danny Eaton is producing director and Max Williams will direct the play. Set design is by Greg Trochlil, costume design is by Elaine Bergeron and Dan Rist is lighting designer. Rachel Putnam is production stage manager and assistant stage manager is Stephen Petit.
Other plays in the Majestic’s 17th Season lineup include “Stick Fly” (Nov. 7 to Dec. 15), “Educating Rita” (Jan. 9 to Feb. 16, 2014), “Heroes” (Feb. 27 to April 6, 2014) and “Next to Normal” (April 17 to June 1, 2014).
Tickets for these five plays are available and range in price from $23 to $29. They can be ordered over the phone at 747-7797, or in person during the box office hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Eaton anticipates an exciting new season and is eager for audiences to enjoy what he terms the “eclectic balance” of the five plays.
“I wanted to put together a more dynamic, more challenging collection of works for this lineup,” he stated.
For additional information, visit www.majestictheater.com.
The remaining performances for “33 Variations” are as follows: Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.; Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.; Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.; Sept. 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 12 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.; Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.; Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m.; and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
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