Marvelous moments in patio players’ ‘33 variations’

By Steve Rank

Published Feb. 15, 2020

“Let us begin with the primary cause of things. Let us begin with how something came about. Why it came about in that particular way and
became what it is.”

These are the first lines spoken by Doctor Katherine Brandt (a matter-of-fact Mary Beth Topf) in Moises Kaufman’s “33 Variations” presented by Falls Patio Players. Doctor Brandt is quoting Ludwig van Beethoven’s introduction to the set of variations he created based on composer Anton Diabelli’s waltz, known as the “Diabelli Variations.”

I experienced “33 Variations” in 2017 at Waukesha Civic Theater, the first theater in Wisconsin to fully stage the production. I thought it was one of the finest pieces of community theater that year, displaying Kaufman’s rich and poignant text in telling the story of a scholar and composer searching for meaning. The Falls Patio Players production, under the direction of Tom Berger manages to capture bits of the production’s nuance and depth.  

Doctor Brandt, a Beethoven scholar and musicologist, is desperately searching for the reason why Beethoven devoted so much time and energy to creating variations on a waltz that seemingly was quite beneath him. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Brandt begins to lose her motor functions and ability to communicate, creating a mortal urgency to complete her work. With the assistance of her daughter Clara (played by Nicole Gross) and a nurse, Mike (a goofy Zachary Klahn), Brandt travels to Bonn, where she can conduct further research. She is greeted by Doctor Gertrude Ladenburger (a grounded Jane Preston) who oversees the Beethoven archives, and the three women set to work to discover the mystery of Beethoven’s obsession. In tandem with Katherine’s storyline, the audience is transported to 1819 when Anton Diabelli (played by Nick Marzinski) has convinced Beethoven to create a set of variations for his waltz. Beethoven (an unsteady Brian Prestley) is beginning to deteriorate in health. Low on funds and desperate to complete his work, he toils night and day creating variation after variation on Diabelli’s waltz with the assistance of his secretary (a foppish D Eric Woolweber).  

Kaufman’s vignettes between the past and present are tied together through Beethoven’s variations that are played live on stage by pianist and local music director Julie Johnson, who is on stage for the entire performance. Johnson’s playing is spectacular.

As Katherine, Topf exudes a casual assertiveness in the role of a woman desperate to be able to comprehend her idol’s decisions. Topf creates a strong level of comfort between herself and the audience in her direct addresses to the audience and conveys a desperation to hold onto control of her life. Scenes between Topf and Preston, as the robust keeper of the archives, are delightful as the friendship and respect between two formidable women grow.

 Kaufman’s script is a blessing to any actor. He offers rich characters, all with the desire to find their place in the world. In order to make these characters whole, the actors need to dig deep and fully embody the lives of the people they are playing. Unfortunately, many of the cast are not up to this challenge. Countering
Katherine’s rapid loss of life, Kaufman creates new life and love with the
budding romance between Clara and Mike. Actors Gross and Klahn didn’t seem to find that chemistry, taking the spark out of many of their interactions.
Prestley’s Beethoven is never quite able to find his footing. Appearing to
struggle with lines, the audience is left with a Beethoven who is already
bedraggled, rather than fiercely determined to succeed.   

Falls Patio Players keeps up its strong reputation for wonderful costuming. Roger F. Bochek’s period perfect pieces for Beethoven, Schindler and Diabelli are rich and pleasing. Projections by Alan Piotrowicz add depth and flavor to the production, cleverly showcasing the sheet music for the Diabelli Variations.

 “33 Variations” runs through Feb. 16 at North Middle School Auditorium, N88 W16750 Garfield Drive, Menomonee Falls.