33 Variations plays its final performance on Broadway

The Broadway production of 33 Variations, written and directed by Moises Kaufman, and starring Jane Fonda (Katherine Brandt), played its final performance on Broadway on 21 May 2009 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. The show played 31 preview performances and 85 regular performances.

33 Variations opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on 9 Mar 2009, following previews from 9 Feb 2009. The play, which was originally scheduled to end its limited performance on Sun 24 May 2009, took the unusual decision of closing mid-week due to Jane Fonda having a prior commitment.

The drama saw Jane Fonda return to Broadway for the first time in 46 years. Oscar & Emmy Award winning Jane Fonda made her Broadway debut in the 1960 play 'There Was a Little Girl' for which she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured actress. Her last appearance on Broadway was in the 1963 drama 'Strange Interlude.'

The production opened to mostly poor, to luke-warm reviews: "Ms. Fonda�s layered crispness is, I regret to add, a contrast to Mr. Kaufman�s often soggy play" (NY Times); "unconvincing drama isn't as big an event as Fonda's return." (NY Post); "engaging in spite of its contrivances" (USA Today); "Kaufman has turned a potentially engrossing drama into a banal soap opera" (Back Stage); " it doesn't rise to the level of great theater. Still, it's an engaging work centering on a classical music mystery; and Jane Fonda's performance is a high note." (NY1)

33 Variations tells the story of Beethoven's fascination with a trivial waltz, and the modern-day musicologist Katherine Brandt who sets out to discover the root of his obsession. As Beethoven�s indisputable genius and delightful humanity come to life on the sheet music in front of her, Katherine not only reveals the true nature of his gift, but also comes to embrace the beauty and legacy of her own life.

33 Variations also stars Samantha Mathis (Clara Brandt), Colin Hanks (Mike Clark), Zach Grenier (Beethoven), Don Amendolia (Anton Diabelli), Susan Kellerman (Dr. Gertie Ladenburger), Erik Steele (Anton Schindler) and Diane Walsh (Pianist).

The creative team featues Derek McLane (sets), Janice Pytel and David C. Woolard (costumes), David Lande (lighting) and Andr� Pluess (sound).