33 Variations

33 Variations is coming to a city near you with Moisés Kaufman’s play, a dramatic work inspired by Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous 33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli. First staged on Broadway in 2009, the play explores the world of the Austrian composer while weaving a contemporary story around a fictional musicologist attempting to understand Beethoven’s obsession with the Diabelli theme.

33 Variations parallels two narratives: Beethoven’s creative process in the early 19th century as he composes his variations, and a modern-day researcher facing a degenerative illness. This structure allows the work to explore themes such as creativity, artistic legacy, memory, and the relationship between music and human life. The play draws on historical elements related to Beethoven, widely regarded as one of the most influential composers in Western classical music.

The production was recognized for its writing and staging, receiving multiple Tony Award nominations during its original Broadway run. It demonstrates the ability of contemporary theatre to engage with classical music and transform a historical musical work into a dramatic narrative.

Get your tickets now for 33 Variations on Tickets.ca.