#1
Posted: 2/12/09 at 3:19pm
I haven't seen too much on the board about 33 Variations, so I thought I'd post my thoughts on the first preview. Overall I enjoyed the show, not knowing what to expect going in.
I'm sorry to admit that I'm not all that familiar with Jane Fonda's movies, and I found her acting solid throughout. I might not be raving about her performance five years from now, but for someone who hasn't been on the Broadway stage in 40 years, she acquits herself nicely.
The real star of the show for me was Samantha Mathis, who plays Jane's daughter. She's giving a very layered, believable performance. Zach Grenier, who plays Beethoven, had the best scene of the play when the conducts the pianist through one of the variations. The audience was completely captivated and they received generous applause.
The play started off a little slowly, but the second act is strong, if a bit long. The thing I liked most about the show was how much I learned about Beethoven and the variations. I can get kind of nerdy about history, so the scenes dealing with the composing of the variations were right up my alley.
Give this one a chance and you might be surprised.
On another note, I made it back to Story of My Life for the second time and loved the show even more. Believe it or not, the performances are even better. I was in the second row and to see the tears rolling down Malcolm's face caused to few to fall down mine as well.
I have completely fallen in love with the score, and really hope it gets a cast recording. I know opinions seem to be divided on the board about this show, but if you're at all on the fence about seeing it, go.
I'm sorry to admit that I'm not all that familiar with Jane Fonda's movies, and I found her acting solid throughout. I might not be raving about her performance five years from now, but for someone who hasn't been on the Broadway stage in 40 years, she acquits herself nicely.
The real star of the show for me was Samantha Mathis, who plays Jane's daughter. She's giving a very layered, believable performance. Zach Grenier, who plays Beethoven, had the best scene of the play when the conducts the pianist through one of the variations. The audience was completely captivated and they received generous applause.
The play started off a little slowly, but the second act is strong, if a bit long. The thing I liked most about the show was how much I learned about Beethoven and the variations. I can get kind of nerdy about history, so the scenes dealing with the composing of the variations were right up my alley.
Give this one a chance and you might be surprised.
On another note, I made it back to Story of My Life for the second time and loved the show even more. Believe it or not, the performances are even better. I was in the second row and to see the tears rolling down Malcolm's face caused to few to fall down mine as well.
I have completely fallen in love with the score, and really hope it gets a cast recording. I know opinions seem to be divided on the board about this show, but if you're at all on the fence about seeing it, go.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
