33 Variations Drama, memory and music are the formula that transports audi-
ences from present-day New York to 19th-century Austria. In a journey that spans 200 years, 33 Variations features a graceful underscore by a live pianist and tells the story of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s fascination with a seemingly trivial little waltz. A present-day musicologist and Beethoven scholar, Katherine Brandt (played by two-time Oscar winner, Jane Fonda) labors to understand the root of the composer’s obsession. Through her attempt to reach back into history and find the secrets hidden in his music, Katherine not only discovers the true nature of Beethoven’s gift, but also finally embraces the beauty and legacy of her own life. The 2009 Broadway run of 33 Variations was nominated for five Tony Awards. Runs January 30 - March 6 at The Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, L.A. Tickets: 213.972.4444 or
centertheatregroup.org.
THE BREAK OF NOON Playwright and provocateur Neil LaBute explores the trials and tribulations of a
modern day prophet. In his newest play he pulls from George Bernard Shaw’s quote: “All truths begin as blasphemies.” With that in mind, the central character John Smith, is a selfish, philandering liar—or at least he was until he hears the voice of God during a tragic office shooting. The imperfect man seems to have an epiphany and reforms himself by unfolding a desire to spread the word about a better way of living. But the looming question: Is John’s divine encounter merely a ploy for celebrity or a chance to escape his rocky past—or simply a part of an infinite and almighty plan? Runs January 25 through March 6 at The Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Westwood Village, L.A. Tickets: 310.966.2412 or
geffenplayhouse.com.
MLLE. GOD Ensemble Studio Theatre-L.A. kicks off an adventurous joint season with the
Circle X Theatre Company. MLLE. GOD is written by Oscar-nominee Nicholas Kazan who reinvents Franz Wedekind’s famous work, Lulu. The outrageous tragic- farce introduces Lulu, who insists on living in the millisecond, doing whatever she wants, when she wants, with whomever she
wants...causing heartbreak, hilarity and unfortunately. . . death! Then there’s Marshall Gunther known as Free, a floater blessed (or is it cursed) with a “special insight” but he struggles desperately to keep himself grounded. More than anything he just wants to be “normal.” His best friend Stoney thinks his gift is a miracle and is sure everyone should know. When Free decides to clean motel rooms rather than defying gravity for unappreciative audiences, he finds out that his gift has touched more lives than he realized. Runs through March 6 at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Tickets: 213.368.9552 or
ensemblestudiotheatrela.org (Mature audiences).
Becky Shaw A Los Angeles premier of the Pulitzer Prize finalist and smash Off-Broadway
hit, Becky Shaw is the latest comedy created by Obie Award-winner Gina Gionfriddo (After Ashley, writer/producer of Law & Order). Suzanna (portrayed by Emily Bergl, the pretty blonde on Desperate Housewives) decides to set her best friend Max up on a blind date. Turns out it’s with her husband’s mysterious co-worker. Becky Shaw sets a series of cataclysmic events in motion, forever changing all of their lives. It has an interesting mix of sharp wit and psychologi- cal thriller blended with a romantic-comedy-of-errors feel. All performances will be recorded to air on L.A. Theatre Works’ syndicated radio theater series, which broadcasts weekly on public radio stations nationwide and can be streamed on demand at
latw.org. Runs February 9 through 13 at L.A. Theatre Works at the Skirball, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood. Tickets: 310.827.0889 or
latw.org.
FEBRUARY 2011 | RAGE monthly 23
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