Based on the play by Mickle Maher, with music by Mark Messing, libretto by Maher and co-directed by George Andrew Wolff and Larry Adams, The Hunchback Variations, according to Theater Oobleck, "dramatizes a hilarious and melancholy panel discussion between Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame, and Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, on their attempt to create a mysterious sound effect called for in Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard. Playing out over eleven musical scenes, or 'variations,' the story details the duo's collaboration — one doomed by their deafness, unpleasant working conditions, and the fact that Beethoven has not fully committed to the process."

The production features Paul Ghica on cello and Christopher Sargent on piano. The lighting design is by Jesse Klug. The mask design is by Richard Henzel.

Adams plays Quasimodo, Wolff plays Beethoven. Produced by Chicago's Theater Oobleck and Brian W. Parker, The Hunchback Variations continues to July 1. Maher is a co-founder of Chicago's Theater Oobleck.

The performance schedule is Tuesday-Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM and 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM.

Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to 59e59.org. Visit theateroobleck.com.