Beethoven's 33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli are among the most exceptional pieces written for piano, but why Beethoven decided to focus so much attention on a single, some say simplistic, waltz, has been cause for great debate. In Moisés Kaufman's new Broadway play, 33 Variations, musicologist Dr. Katherine Brandt (Jane Fonda) becomes obsessed with figuring out Beethoven's fascination with the variations. During the span of the play, we witness not only Beethoven's dark spiral into complete deafness, but Dr. Brandt's own struggle with a fatal illness, as both geniuses come to terms with the final phases of their lives. more ›