The Avalong Playhouse will present 33 Variations by Moises Kaufmann at the Pullo Center in York. The play deals with a dying woman’s obsession with the music of Beethoven. Musicologist Katherine Brandt ( portrayed by Jaci Keagy) struggles to complete her research on the composer before her life is ended by ALS. In parallel sequences, Beethoven (played by Brian Reineke) deals with his deafness and illness as he works to compose the final great works of his life.

A central question of the play asks why Beethoven, as he was composing works like his majestic Missa Solemnis and the great Ninth Symphony, spent so much creative energy writing 33 variations based on a rather mediocre waltz by publisher Anton Diabelli. Through the question, themes of art, obsession and illness are explored.

Other cast members include Susie Goebeler, Alfredo Carmen Jr., Ellen Hughes, River Barry, and Eric Long, who is also the director and the founder of Avalong Playhouse. The play also features pianist Michael Frock who provides transition and interlude music taken from Beethoven’s variations as well as unpublished versions of the pieces taken from Beethoven’s musical diaries.

Performances are at the Pullo Center in York, January 20, 26, 27 and 28 ay 7:30 p.m. and Janueary 22 and 29 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Call 717-505-8900, or for more information visit the Avalong Playhouse website. Below you can hear our Creative Zone feature on the production.