NEW YORK (Reuters) – Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda will return to Broadway after a 46-year absence to perform in "33 Variations" in 2009.

The play written and directed by Moises Kaufman tells the story of Beethoven's fascination with a trivial waltz and the modern-day musicologist Katherine Brandt (Fonda) who sets out to discover the root of his obsession.

"I am very excited about being in Moises' new play. I can't wait to get back on stage with him in this role that I understand so well. It's been 40-some years!" Fonda said in a statement.

Fonda, 70, made her Broadway debut in the 1960 play "There Was a Little Girl" for which she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured actress. Her last appearance on Broadway was in the 1963 drama "Strange Interlude."

The actress has won two best actress Academy Awards -- in 1979 for "Coming Home" and in 1972 for "Klute."

"33 Variations" is due to open on Broadway in early 2009.

Source: REUTERS