The West Texas A&M University theatre department will perform Moises Kaufman’s “33 Variations” again at the Branding Iron Theatre Oct. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. The play opened Oct. 9-11, which gives those who missed the show last week a chance to watch this memorable play.

“33 Variations” focuses on Dr. Katherine Brandt, a musical scholar, played by Maya Schultz. Brandt is intrigued with why Ludwig van Beethoven, played by Cody Wilson, created 33 variations of Anton Diabelli’s waltz. Brandt goes to Bonn, Germany to look at archives to find the solutions to her questions about Beethoven. Before she leaves America, she is diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dr. Brandt’s nurse Mike Clark, played by Randryck Lewis, and Brandt’s daughter Clara, played by Kyla Jo Williams, travel to Bonn to care for Dr. Brandt. Throughout the play, the scenes shift from present time to Beethoven’s period, revealing that Beethoven also struggled with health issues while writing the variations.

All of the actors bring their characters to life. However, Schultz’s and Wilson’s performances were the most memorable. They portray the mood of their determined yet struggling characters and express their characters’ love for music. Dr. Denise Parr-Scanlin, a piano professor at WTAMU, plays several of the variations, an impressive part of the production, which completes the musical atmosphere. The only disappointing part of the play was the second act when the male nurse and Brandt’s daughter talk about sex and make out on stage. This scene is out of context with the play and does not pertain to the story line.

Besides the one scene, it is an entertaining play worth the money. The cost for non-WTAMU students and senior citizens is $8.00 and $11.00 for adults. Those who like music or drama would enjoy “33 Variations.”