The Hunchback Variations

Playwright Mickle Maher brings together composer Ludwig van Beethoven and the Hunchback of Notre Dame for a panel discussion on the pitfalls of artistic collaboration. Their attempts to create an enigmatic sound called for by a stage direction in Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" are thwarted by their deafness, unpleasant working conditions, and the fact that

Beethoven has not yet finished reading "The Cherry Orchard". The acclaimed Theater Oobleck originally premiered this piece in 2001 at Links Hall in Chicago.

This is an excerpt from the performance, which is 25 minutes long. You can purchase the CD through Hopes & Nothings.

Theater Oobleck - Hunchback Variations (excerpt) Mp3

The Hunchback Variations recently had another run a couple months ago as part of the PAC/EDGE performance festival in Chicago. Midnight Theatre Company in St. Louis has also been performing it.