Independent Arts News Reporting 
Pictured Above: Daniel Torres and Chip Zien in REUNIONS. Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel Photography
Broadway Favorite Chip Zien Goes Intimate in New Musical, Reunions
By: Keith Loria
Award-winning journalist Keith Loria interviews Broadway favorite Chip Zien about his return to stage in Reunions at New York City Center Stage II.
Chip Zien, beloved to Broadway audiences for his work as the Baker in the original production of Into the Woods, Mendel in Falsettos and Rabbi Josef Roman Cycowski in Harmony to name just a few, is back on stage this month in Reunions, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire.
“I still love the challenge, to see if I can still do it, learn my lines and make it all work,” Zien said about returning to the stage. “I like being with other actors. I have this breakfast group of actors my age, and they’re always asking me, ‘Why are you still doing this?’ And I always say, ‘I just want one more dressing room.’ That’s what keeps me going.”
Directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre, the production—running at New York City Center Stage II through Nov. 30—draws inspiration from two classic one-act plays united by a shared theme: lovers unexpectedly reunited after years apart.
The first act, adapted from J.M. Barrie’s “The Twelve Pound Look,” unfolds in Downton Abbey–era London. As Harry Sims prepares to be knighted, an encounter from his past forces him to confront questions of class, gender roles, and the true cost of ambition.
The second act, “A Sunny Morning,” reimagines the beloved work by Spain’s prolific Quintero Brothers. Set in a Madrid park, it captures the tender humor and enduring hope of love rekindled—this time between two septuagenarians discovering that the heart never really grows old.
“Both stories in this musical are quite sweet, and that appealed to me,” Zien said. “The two acts are about looking back—thinking through relationships you had when you were younger and how both people have changed. In both pieces, there’s love, regret, humor and rediscovery. It’s an interesting, tender evening in the theater and at this point in my life, that kind of work feels right.”
For his part, Zien is playing Don Gonzalo, a man about his own age who runs into a woman he loved 50 years ago. something the actor notes actually happened to him in real life.
“There have been women I dated when I was young who have come to see me in shows, and we barely recognize each other,” he said. “Time changes us. It’s funny and a little poignant.”
Pictured Above: Chip Zien and Joanna Glushak in REUNIONS. Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel Photography
He added the role intrigued him, calling it a “real challenge” to do what is basically a two-hander, and one that’s complicated to boot.
“It’s a lot of material, and I was curious to see if I could still handle it,” Zien said. “It’s always an adventure. I tend to work off panic; that’s my system. Some people are systematic, I just panic and hope it turns into a performance.”
Two other things drew him in to Reunions—a beautiful score with surprising lyrics, and getting to perform in the intimate New York City Center Stage II.
“I wanted to get back to a smaller theater experience—something intimate,” Zien said. “The audience is close enough that you can really see them, sometimes even talk to them. It’s fun and grounding to work in that environment again.”
Joining Zien in the show are Bryan Fenkart, Joanna Glushak, Chilina Kennedy and Courtney Reed.
“Joanna and I are the senior citizens of the cast, and she’s just wonderful,” Zien said. “I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else. The young actors are so talented. Chilina’s got this gorgeous voice, Courtney’s beautiful and funny, Bryan is hilarious. They make even unlikable characters charming.”
With a theater resume that’s the envy of many, Zien often is asked for advice or thoughts from his younger costars.
“They probably think I have some great wisdom to share, but mostly I just tell stories,” he said. “Sometimes they even find them helpful! It keeps me young to be around them—though half the time they have no idea what I’m referencing. I’ll mention Laugh-In or Jimmy Durante, and they just stare at me blankly. I feel like I’m chasing a train I can’t quite catch, but eventually, I do. The younger generation of performers is so skilled, and it’s inspiring to be around them.”
He credits his director with being a “master technician,” having the “patience of a saint” and creating an atmosphere that is open and kind.
“He encourages play and laughter and it’s been one of the nicest rehearsal rooms I’ve ever been in,” Zien said. “This role is one of the hardest things I’ve done. There’s an accent, and I’ve worked with a wonderful dialect coach. My technique has always been a little sloppy, but I’ve always just thrown myself in. Everyone’s so well-trained now. When I came up, you learned songs by having the music director plunk them out one note at a time. Now everyone reads music perfectly. The level of talent today is astounding.”
Zien encourages audiences to check the musical out and promises it will be an evening they won’t soon forget.
“I think Reunions is a charming chamber musical,” Zien said. “I joked that it’s like Phantom of the Opera with cheaper costumes. I hope audiences walk away feeling they’ve seen a little jewel of a show—something light, warm and sweet. It’s not heavy. It’s just a lovely evening in the theater.”
Reunions is being staged at New York City Center Stage II at 131 W. 55th Street through December 14th. For tickets or more information, visit www.nycitycenter.org.
