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Chip Zien

Birth Place: Milwaukee, WI, USA

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BIO

Chip Zien created the central role of the Baker in Sondheim/Lapine's award-winning INTO THE WOODS and also created the role of Mendel in William Finn's highly acclaimed FALSETTOS. Most recently he was seen on B'way in THE BIG KNIFE directed by Douglas Hughes, The Roundabout’s THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, THE COUNTRY GIRL directed by Mike Nichols and as Thenardier in the revival of LES MISÉRABLES. He appeared in Tommy Tune's GRAND HOTEL playing Otto Kringelein, the memorable dancing bookkeeper. Other Broadway credits include, THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, ALL OVER TOWN directed by Dustin Hoffman and THE SUICIDE with Derek Jacobi. Mr. Zien also starred in the La Jolla reworking of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.


On TV, Mr. Zien is currently filming CRIME, a new HBO series and was a regular on THE CAROLINE RHEA SHOW, ALMOST PERFECT (CBS), NOW AND AGAIN (CBS), DEADLINE (NBC), SHELL GAME (CBS) and LOVE, SIDNEY (NBC).
Mr. Zien has recently turned his attention to writing. His new musical, THE HISTORY OF WAR was selected and presented at The New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF). His one-man show DEATH IN ASHTABULA and a musical revue TRAVELS WITH MY DISCONTENT, showcasing the music of Deborah Abramson, were both developed and performed at The Barrington Stage.
Additionally, Mr. Zien has performed his solo concert at 54 Below to smashing notices.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Captain E.J. Smith

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Rabbi

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2022
Elder Rabbi

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway Revival, 2021
Mr. Stopnick

[Regional (US)]
Regional World Premiere Production, 2018
Oscar

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Max's servant (Hugo), Radu (1st Bulgarian), Judge, Father Bernard, Rich Jew (Issachar), First Gambler

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Murray Steinberg

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2013
Nat Danziger

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2012
Vasily Korinsky

[Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Yossie Pinsker

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Phil Cook

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2008
Buzz Richards

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2006
[Replacement]

Thénardier [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 2005
Goran

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2002
Dromio of Ephesus

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1998
Mr. Bungee

Mr. Bungee

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1997
Baker

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Matt Abelman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Mendel

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1989
Otto Kringelein [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Baker

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway), 1986
Baker

[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 1985
Charley Kringas

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1984
Performer

Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Marty Sterling

[Off-Broadway]
1983
Marty Sterling

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 1982
Mendel

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Mendel

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Mendel

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1981
Mendel

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Victor Victorovich

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Performer

Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Louis Polaski

[Broadway]
1974
Charles Cogan (Understudy)

Demetrius (Understudy)

Detective Kirby (Understudy)

Louie (Understudy)

Laurent (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1974
Inari

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Performer

[New York]
Workshop, 2003
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Performer


Movies

The Rose
[ 1979 ] Reporter
So Fine
[ 1981 ] Wise Guy in Disco
Grace Quigley
[ 1984 ] Dr. Herman
The House of God
[ 1984 ] Eat-My-Dust-Eddie
Howard the Duck
[ 1986 ] Howard T. Duck
Hello Again
[ 1987 ] Reporter #4
Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle
[ 1994 ] Franklin P. Adams
The Real Shlemiel
[ 1995 ] Treitel, The Donkey
The Siege
[ 1998 ] Chief of Staff
Snake Eyes
[ 1998 ] Mickey Alter
Breakfast of Champions
[ 1999 ] Andy Wojeckowzski
United 93
[ 2006 ] Mark Rothenberg
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead
[ 2009 ] Dr. Marsh
Commentary
[ 2012 ] Clifford Blowman
Little Evil
[ 2017 ] Stepdad Therapist
Simchas and Sorrows
[ 2022 ] Mortimer

TV Shows

All My Children
Donald Steele
Almost Perfect
Gary Karp
As the World Turns
Roastmaster, Arthur Howell
Deadline
Sammy Klein, Detective Sammy Klein
Law & Order
Cromwell, Attorney Steven Cromwell, Mr. Green
Love, Sidney
Jason Stoller

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Chip Zien, Harmony

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Chip Zien, Harmony

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Chip Zien, Isn't It Romantic

Videos

News


GoFundMe Campaign Launches to Save The West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre

The West Bank Cafe previously announced that it will be closing its doors next month. Now, a GoFundMe campaign has launched to help save the venue from its demise. Learn more about how to help here!
Photos: Go Inside the Farewell Gathering for TITANIC at Encores!

Titanic concluded its run as part of New York City Center Encores! on Sunday, June 23rd. The company held a closing celebration, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the festivities. Check out the photos here!
Video: Original TITANIC Cast Member Victoria Clark Misses the Boat At Tonight's Encores! Performance

Watch as Tony Award-winner Victoria Clark, who played Alice Beane in the original Broadway company of Titanic, makes a special appearance on the New York City Center stage below!
Video: More Highlights from Encores! TITANIC

Titanic has arrived at New York City Center, closing the Encores! season this month. Check out more video clips of the cast, including 'Barrett's Song,' 'Still,' and 'The Proposal.'
Video: Watch Jesse Eisenberg Make a Cameo in TITANIC at Encores!

Watch as Jesse Eisenberg makes his New York City debut in Titanic!
Review Roundup: TITANIC Sets Sail at Encores!

Titanic has sailed into New York City Center, closing the Encores! season this month. Check out what the critics are saying!
Photos: TITANIC Sails Into City Center with An All-Star Cast!

Titanic has sailed into New York City Center, closing the Encores! season this month. Check out photos of the star-studded company in action below!
Video: Highlights From TITANIC at New York City Center Encores!

Watch highlights from Titanic at New York City Center Encores!
Photos: The Cast of Encores! TITANIC Meets the Press

 Titanic is sailing into New York City Center, closing the Encores! season this month. Check out photos of the company meeting the press here!
Video: TITANIC Sails On Into Rehearsals at Encores!

In this vide, watch as the cast and creative team of Encores! Titanic chats more about the epic show and performs 'Godspeed Titanic,' 'The Proposal/The Night Was Alive,' and 'Lady's Maid.'
MARY POPPINS Composer Richard M. Sherman Has Passed Away at 95

Composer Richard M. Sherman passed away at 95 due to age-related illness at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, on Saturday, May 25th.
Lilli Cooper Joins Chuck and Eddie Cooper in Encores! TITANIC

New York City Center announced that Lilli Cooper will join the cast of Encores! Titanic along with her father Chuck Cooper and brother Eddie Cooper.
Video: Watch the 30-Piece Encores! Orchestra Rehearse TITANIC

In this video, go inside the first day of rehearsals for the 30-piece Encores! Orchestra of Titanic, the final show in the 30th Encores! series. Guest Music Director Rob Berman speaks about bringing Maury Yeston's Tony-winning score to life, and original orchestrator Jonathan Tunick marvels over hearing his orchestrations played by the Encores! Orchestra.
Darren Criss and Helen J Shen Will Lead MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway

Darren Criss will return to the stage alongside Helen J Shen in the Broadway premiere of the new romantic musical comedy Maybe Happy Ending with music by Will Aronson, lyrics by Hue Park and book by both Aronson and Park. We have all of the details!
First Standings Announced For the 21st Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards; THE GREATS GATSBY Leads Best Musical

The first standings have been announced for the 21st Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards, honoring and celebrating the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
THE OUTSIDERS, ILLINOISE & More to Host Performances Benefitting The Entertainment Community Fund

The Outsiders, Patriots, Illinoise, An Enemy of the People and The Who’s Tommy will all host performances with blocks of tickets dedicated to supporting The Entertainment Community Fund. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Jose Llana Replaces Conrad Ricamora in TITANIC at Encores!

Jose Llana will now be playing the role of Thomas Andrews in Encores! Titanic, replacing his Here Lies Love costar Conrad Ricamora. Ricamora will reprise his role in the Broadway transfer of Oh, Mary!, which is set to begin performances on June 26 at the Lyceum Theatre.
Review: Lorna Luft's Triumphant Return to 54 Below with HOME AGAIN

Lorna Luft captivated the audience at 54 Below on Friday night. The child of legendary performer Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, Ms. Luft is no stranger to the stage, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand with this entertaining evening of music celebrating New York writers of Tin Pan Alley, the Brill Building, and beyond!
Who Else Was Eligible for 2024 Tony Nominations?

Nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards were announced this morning, and while a select, talented few will spend the day celebrating their achievements, there are many who (while still great!), didn't get a nomination this year. Check out who else was eligible below and here's to their great work this theatre season!
A Guide to the 2024 Tony Awards Nominations

The 77th Annual Tony Award Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, April 30, by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsbery. The announcement can be viewed LIVE in their entirety here on BroadwayWorld.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Chip Zien been in?

Chip Zien has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

How many West End shows has Chip Zien been in?

Chip Zien has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Chip Zien been nominated for?

Chip Zien has been nominated for the following awards: Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Harmony; Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Harmony; and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Isn't It Romantic.

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