I found the performance compelling. I was truly amazed by the transformation as Dr. Brandt's health issues surfaced. I think the trouble with the review above is that the first couple performances of any show have a couple rough spots, and those were showing, but by the time I saw the show (the first saturday) the show was pretty well flawless. Having a spot on piano performance raised the show to an amazing level and the interaction between Beethoven and the pianist was joyful to behold. I love parallel story lines, especially when they are well done and the merger of the two made for interesting theater. I would highly recommend seeing this show, as 33 Variations isn't often done.
The piece at the end of the first act, when I saw it on Friday, was the most powerful piece in the play! I suspect it is tough to master, and perhaps the ensemble hadn't hit all the beats yet. I think you'll find that the kinks are worked by now... that's the only reason I can think we disagree on it.
Great review - accurate - wonderfully funny show with lush costumes and beautifully choreographed set changes.
coulda used ecigs..
saw this play yesterday and agree it was wonderful. As a transplanted New Yorker I am a fan of Broadway. This show is high caliber, a delight to see.
Spot on performance & spot on review!
This was an OUTSTANDING play -- highly recommend!
Can't wait to see the show!! I know the above review will not keep people from coming and supporting the cast and crew!!
Thanks, Brittany!
Congrats to a truly amazing company for opening! I only wish I could have been there in person to show my support. I find the lack of support and encouragement in this review disheartening. Village is known for the quality of their work and dedication to not only continuing the arts but paying actors and designers for that work and the fact that they are transforming a new space and growing should be celebrated not doubted. Also- it doesn't matter what the location or temperature is someone will ALWAYS complain about being cold.
I personally can't wait to come see this space and am so sad that I missed this show and this cast of actors, some of which have the best comedic timing I have had the pleasure of witnessing! Congrats! - Brittany
Buy Pia a ticket to Charleston and to the show and she might come.
Unfortunately Pia Zadora, who adorned the cast of the original film production, isn't in Charleston for this show. It's apparently her first film credit.
The first of hopefully many more productions!
In response to drboboc: Thank you very much for posting your well-educated opinion of the play. The original review had me rather concerned, so it was incredibly refreshing to hear the opposite. I am currently about to begin directing a scene from this play for a Play Analysis class, and this review has been extremely helpful in giving me a better understanding of how human the characters really are.
Without the adult content the play would not have been as touching or meaningful as it showed a tender moment. Some people do not see that in theatre sometimes it is important to "GRAB" the audience and make the point jump out at you. That song refered was beautiful and well sung. Keep it up Christine, great performance!
Attended last night and was thoroughly entertained. Small audience and everyone on the same level made for a lot of interaction. This is a great show and beats going to a more formal production so get on down for Halloweens's performance and enjoy.
I agree with the assessment of the actors' abilities to nail their characters and create a humorous but increasingly more tense and emotionally charged drama. And more could have been said about their ability to engage us for what seemed like minutes but was a couple of hours, even with the bare minimum of set and lighting. A note to the critic - please - we don't need so many spoilers in a review. You practically tells us the whole story. Use the space to talk about the production values more. Reviews shouldn't be just a summary of what a play is about and a few lines spent on the actors.
Well, in this case the reviewer happens to be correct. This is a WONDERFUL production and Mary Fishburne gives a marvelous performance. It's great to see this kind of quality in the local theatre scene. Kudos to The Charleston Acting Studio.
Don't blame autocorrect, I blame my arthritic fingers :) Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Cheers.
Re: “Despite some flaws, Threshold's 33 Variations is spellbinding”
Going to see it soon. Critiques should always start with the good if the critic liked the show and is recommending it, because most people don't read past the first two paragraphs. When one of the first things you read is a criticism of the set from a previous show and then the unevenness of the acting, it's hard to keep reading even though the critic tells you to...just sayin'....