Category Archives: Theater

33 Variations Dr. Brandt

Last week I saw The Lyric Stage Co. production, 33 Variations.  The story opens in present day in New York City with a heated conversation between a mother and daughter, but in the next scene the audience is drawn into a second story involving Ludwig van Beethoven.  Sound complicated? Not interested in the music scene from 19th century Austria? These were my thoughts too when I first read about the show, and it is why I wanted to be sure I dispel these reservations – they are unfounded. I promise you will thank me for telling you to go.

The Lyric Stage Co. does an excellent job suspending time and weaving these stories that on the surface are about Beethoven’s piano masterpiece the Diabelli Variations, but actually have a lot more to do with personal relationships, individual passions and the need for closure. Dr. Katherine Brandt played by Paula Plum steals the show perhaps because her story is so compelling – even though at times I found her character so frustrating I wanted to  walk down on to the stage and shake some sense into her.

33 Variations Clara Brandt & Mike Clark and Beethoven, Schindler & Diabelli

Dr. Brandt’s friction with her daughter and fixation on her research happen to be incredibly relatable and I suppose that is what I found so engaging about her character and the entire play.  I had assumed the storyline would be too cerebral for me to sit back and simply enjoy.  The humorous dialog and candid conversations that run through out the show will draw you in and the two hours will pass so quickly you’ll be left wondering if The Lyric Stage Co. ability to suspend time on stage had somehow extended to your seat as well. So pick up tickets and make a night of it. I assure you it is money well spent and an evening you will enjoy.

While there are many great shows coming to Boston from theater companies touring the United States, there is a vibrant local theater scene too often overlooked.  While I can’t list all that Boston offers, I’ve listed five productions that have caught my attention and hope to see.

Other Desert Cities at Lyric Stage Company,  Jan. 4th thru Feb. 2nd Tickets Here

33 Variations is about a mother coming to terms with her daughter and a composer coming to terms with his genius.  Separated by 200 years, these two people share an obsession that transcends the boundaries of time.  The play takes place both in present day and in Beethoven’s time, switching back and forth between New York City to Bonn, Germany and Vienna, Austria.

Invisible Man at The Huntington Theatre Jan. 4th thru Feb. 3rd   Tickets Here

The Invisible Man is a play based on the 1952 novel by Ralph Ellison. The production addresses many of the social issues facing African-Americans in the first part of the 20th century.  The Huntington’s Artistic Director, Peter DuBois, shares more about the production here.

Marry Me A Little at The New Repertory Theatre  Jan. 6th thru Jan. 27th   Tickets Here

Marry Me A Little  from the NewRep is an updated take on Sondheim’s charming musical revue—and on modern-day marriage.Through spoken word and song, lonely New York singles fantasize romantic adventures, join in emotional conflict, and question the commitment of marriage.

Other Desert Cities at The SpeakEasy Stage  Jan. 11th thru Feb. 9th          Tickets Here

Other Desert Cities tells the story of a family where secrets are currency and everyone is rich. Brooke Wyeth, a once promising young novelist, comes home after a 6-year absence for Christmas in Palm Springs, but festivities are short-lived, when Brooke announces she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a tragic event in the family’s history.

Mildred Fierce by The Gold Dust Orphans Feb. 7th thru Mar. 17    Tickets Here

Mildred Fierce is Ryan Landry’s latest musical, inspired by the Joan Crawford film, Mildred Pierce.  This production will star Varla Jean Merman as Mildred and will be performed at the Ramrod Performing Arts Center as Ryan likes to call it but is probably better known as downstairs at Machine Nightclub.

Want to see what other shows are opening in Boston later this month? Check out The Phoenix which has a more complete listing here.

Starting today and running through Saturday is the Theater Offensive Off-Broadway play by Lenelle Moise, Expatriate. Normally I try to only write about shows I’ve had the opportunity to see, but due to the short run, I won’t have a chance to see this show. However, I love the work the Theater Offensive does and wanted to give them a shout out.

Want to find out more about this show or purchase tickets? Click here.

The Kite Runner at New Rep Theatre  

The Kite Runner, is a story written by Khaled Hosseini first published in 2003.  It became a New York Times best seller and was eventually adapted into a movie and a play.  The somber story centers around the life of a young, privileged Afghani named Amir.

The New Rep’s production will draw you in.  The narrative play opens in Kabul when Amir is a child growing up with his best friend and servant, Hassan.  Its a happy story, but by the time the first act closes you’ll have lump in your throat. The second act opens in America but when contacted by a family friend Hassan finds himself returning to Pakistan and Afghanistan where he must face his past, literally.

Performances run Wed thru Sunday until Sept 30th

I loved this story and I think you will too. This is a play that will elicit discussion and make you thankful to have the good fortune to grow up in a developed nation.  New Rep Theatre’s performances of The Kite Runner conclude on Sunday, September 30th. Performances run Wednesday thru Sunday each week and tickets may be purchased here. 

More about New Rep Theatre