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Who’s The Witch next door…The Baker gives us the scoop on who he thinks it might be. In this special live episode from The Museum of Broadway, Chip Zien talks about 50 years on Broadway and his Sardi’s caricature as well as Harmony, Into The Woods, Falsettos, Stephen Sondheim and a film her won’t name with Katharine Hepburn.
Chip Zien
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.
Date of Birth: March 20, 1947 (79)
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]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Max's servant (Hugo), Radu (1st Bulgarian), Judge, Father Bernard, Rich Jew (Issachar), First Gambler
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2006
Thénardier [Replacement], [Replacement]
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1975
Performer
[Broadway]
1974
Demetrius (Understudy), Charles Cogan (Understudy), Detective Kirby (Understudy), Laurent (Understudy), Louie (Understudy)
See how Chip Zien connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Chip Zien from another Broadway star or creative.
Chip Zien
Connection
Movies
The Rose
[ 1979 ] Reporter
[ 1979 ] Reporter
So Fine
[ 1981 ] Wise Guy in Disco
[ 1981 ] Wise Guy in Disco
Grace Quigley
[ 1984 ] Dr. Herman
[ 1984 ] Dr. Herman
The House of God
[ 1984 ] Eat-My-Dust-Eddie
[ 1984 ] Eat-My-Dust-Eddie
Howard the Duck
[ 1986 ] Howard T. Duck
[ 1986 ] Howard T. Duck
Hello Again
[ 1987 ] Reporter #4
[ 1987 ] Reporter #4
Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle
[ 1994 ] Franklin P. Adams
[ 1994 ] Franklin P. Adams
The Real Shlemiel
[ 1995 ] Treitel, The Donkey
[ 1995 ] Treitel, The Donkey
The Siege
[ 1998 ] Chief of Staff
[ 1998 ] Chief of Staff
Snake Eyes
[ 1998 ] Mickey Alter
[ 1998 ] Mickey Alter
Breakfast of Champions
[ 1999 ] Andy Wojeckowzski
[ 1999 ] Andy Wojeckowzski
United 93
[ 2006 ] Mark Rothenberg
[ 2006 ] Mark Rothenberg
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead
[ 2009 ] Dr. Marsh
[ 2009 ] Dr. Marsh
Commentary
[ 2012 ] Clifford Blowman
[ 2012 ] Clifford Blowman
Little Evil
[ 2017 ] Stepdad Therapist
[ 2017 ] Stepdad Therapist
Simchas and Sorrows
[ 2022 ] Mortimer
[ 2022 ] Mortimer
TV Shows
All My Children
Donald Steele
Donald Steele
Almost Perfect
Gary Karp
Gary Karp
As the World Turns
Roastmaster, Arthur Howell
Roastmaster, Arthur Howell
Deadline
Sammy Klein, Detective Sammy Klein
Sammy Klein, Detective Sammy Klein
Law & Order
Cromwell, Attorney Steven Cromwell, Mr. Green
Cromwell, Attorney Steven Cromwell, Mr. Green
Love, Sidney
Jason Stoller
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
Video: Watch Highlights from THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-02-19 16:04:54
Video: Ariana DeBose, Andrea McArdle, and More at the Laurie Beechman Theatre Renaissance Gala
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-15 09:38:11
Exclusive: Chip Zien Looks Back on His Epic, 15-Show Broadway Career
by Robert Bannon - 2024-04-26 19:00:20
Video: Watch Chip Zien Perform Rabbi's Final Monologue from HARMONY: A NEW MUSICAL, Closing Today
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-04 11:32:58
Video: HARMONY Honors Hannah Szenes on Holocaust Remembrance Day
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-01-27 12:57:34
Video: Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, and the HARMONY Cast Perform 'Stars in the Night' and 'Where You Go'
by Stephi Wild - 2023-12-27 09:53:33
Video: HARMONY's Chip Zien and Sierra Boggess Are Broadway BFFs
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-12-21 09:54:11
Video: Watch Barry Manilow Talk HARMONY on Broadway on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-29 13:55:07
Video: Watch the Cast of HARMONY Perform the Title Song on TODAY
by Michael Major - 2023-10-17 11:46:02
News
Listen: REUNIONS Off-Broadway Cast Recording Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2026
The original cast recording of REUNIONS, the new musical that ran at New York City Center Stage II, is now available to listen to! The album features Chip Zien, Joanna Glushak and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2026
The original cast recording of REUNIONS, the new musical that ran at New York City Center Stage II, is now available to listen to! The album features Chip Zien, Joanna Glushak and more.
Photos: Chromolume Theatre's ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE at Hollywood Fringe Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2026
Check out new production photos of Chromolume Theatre's Elegies: A Song Cycle by William Finn, now playing as part of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Directed by Carol M. Becker with musical direction by Isaac Schanno Johnson, the intimate and moving song cycle celebrates the lives of friends, family members, and loved ones lost, balancing heartfelt reflection with humor and hope.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2026
Check out new production photos of Chromolume Theatre's Elegies: A Song Cycle by William Finn, now playing as part of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Directed by Carol M. Becker with musical direction by Isaac Schanno Johnson, the intimate and moving song cycle celebrates the lives of friends, family members, and loved ones lost, balancing heartfelt reflection with humor and hope.
Listen: REUNIONS - A NEW MUSICAL Releases Original Cast Recording
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2026
Reunions, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, which had a run last year at New York City Center Stage II, has released an original cast recording of the musical.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2026
Reunions, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, which had a run last year at New York City Center Stage II, has released an original cast recording of the musical.
15 Broadway Icons You May Be Surprised Never Won a Tony Award
by Michael Gioia - Jun 6, 2026
These performers may have received other awards and accolades, but a Tony Award is shockingly not on their résumé.
by Michael Gioia - Jun 6, 2026
These performers may have received other awards and accolades, but a Tony Award is shockingly not on their résumé.
ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE Will Come to Hollywood Fringe
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
Chromolume Theatre will present William Finn's ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, directed by Carol M. Becker, at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles for three performances only.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
Chromolume Theatre will present William Finn's ELEGIES: A SONG CYCLE at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, directed by Carol M. Becker, at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles for three performances only.
Photos: THE RESERVOIR Opens and Extends at Atlantic Theater Company
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
Atlantic Theater Company has announced an extension for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. Plus, check out photos from opening night!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
Atlantic Theater Company has announced an extension for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. Plus, check out photos from opening night!
Review Roundup: THE RESERVOIR Opens At Atlantic Theater Company
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
Critics are weighing in on The Reservoir, a play written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler, starring Caroline Aaron, Heidi Armbruster, Noah Galvin, Peter Maloney, Mary Beth Peil, Matthew Saldívar, and Chip Zien.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
Critics are weighing in on The Reservoir, a play written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler, starring Caroline Aaron, Heidi Armbruster, Noah Galvin, Peter Maloney, Mary Beth Peil, Matthew Saldívar, and Chip Zien.
Video: Watch Highlights from THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 19, 2026
You can now get a first look at The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Watch in this video!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 19, 2026
You can now get a first look at The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Watch in this video!
Photos: Noah Galvin and More in THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026
You can now get a first look at production photos of The Reservoir, starring Noah Galvin and more, now playing Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026
You can now get a first look at production photos of The Reservoir, starring Noah Galvin and more, now playing Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company.
Spotlight on Plays: February 2026
by Team BWW - Feb 2, 2026
The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in February 2026.
by Team BWW - Feb 2, 2026
The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in February 2026.
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of THE RESERVOIR
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 25, 2026
Performances begin next month for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. Watch in this video as the cast and creative team chats with BroadwayWorld about what the play is all about!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 25, 2026
Performances begin next month for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. Watch in this video as the cast and creative team chats with BroadwayWorld about what the play is all about!
Photos: Noah Galvin, Caroline Aaron and More in THE RESERVOIR Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos for The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, starring Noah Galvin, Mary Beth Peil and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2026
You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos for The Reservoir, being presented in a co-production with Atlantic Theater Company, starring Noah Galvin, Mary Beth Peil and more.
First Look: Noah Galvin, Mary Beth Peil, and Chip Zien Lead THE RESERVOIR Cast at Press Event
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 15, 2026
Performances begin next month for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. The cast recently met the press ahead of their first performance in February. Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 15, 2026
Performances begin next month for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler. The cast recently met the press ahead of their first performance in February. Check out photos here!
Caroline Aaron, Noah Galvin and More to Star in THE RESERVOIR at Atlantic Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025
The cast has been revealed for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025
The cast has been revealed for the Off-Broadway debut of The Reservoir, written by Jake Brasch and directed by Shelley Butler.
Photos: REUNIONS Opens Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 3, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, is now open at City Center Stage (ii). Check out photos from opening night!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 3, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, is now open at City Center Stage (ii). Check out photos from opening night!
Photos: Chip Zien, Chilina Kennedy and More in REUNIONS Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, is currently in previews at City Center Stage II. Get a first look at photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, is currently in previews at City Center Stage II. Get a first look at photos here!
Chilina Kennedy, Courtney Reed and More to Star in REUNIONS Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, will play City Center Stage II. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2025
REUNIONS, a new musical with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Scharf and music by Jimmy Calire, will play City Center Stage II. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
Listen: Roger Daltrey, Sally Struthers and More Featured on WINCHELL: THE MUSICAL Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025
YELLOW SOUND LABEL has released Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) on streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the album and listen here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025
YELLOW SOUND LABEL has released Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) on streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the album and listen here!
Listen: WINCHELL: THE MUSICAL Featuring Roger Daltrey, Kate Baldwin and More Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2025
YELLOW SOUND LABEL has released Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) on streaming and digital formats. Listen to the album now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2025
YELLOW SOUND LABEL has released Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) on streaming and digital formats. Listen to the album now!
Exclusive: Julia Murney, Roger Daltry, & More Sing 'It Happens at Night' From WINCHELL: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2025
Yellow Sound Label will release Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) this Friday, August 29. We have your exclusive first listen to the track “It Happens at Night,” which features Kristen Duerr, Julia Murney, Roger Daltry, and more. Listen here!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2025
Yellow Sound Label will release Winchell: The Musical (NYC Studio Recording) this Friday, August 29. We have your exclusive first listen to the track “It Happens at Night,” which features Kristen Duerr, Julia Murney, Roger Daltry, and more. Listen here!
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?
Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Harmony, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Harmony and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Isn't It Romantic.
Podcasts
Ep 66- Opening Night Of "Harmony" On Broadway! Manilow, The Creators, & Stars Are Here!
If you know anything about me, you know I am a FANILOW! Well Barry stopped by on the red carpet of Harmony's Opening Night on Broadway! We are joined by his writing partner Bruce Sussman, and the stars like Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, and more!
Ep 29- The Cast & Creatives of "Harmony" Are Here! Manilow! Sierra Boggess! Julie Benko! & More!
The highly anticipated new musical "Harmony" is rolling into the Barrymore this fall! They will be up there singing, dancing, and telling this tale "Every Single Day" (except Monday of course!). We had the chance to be at Press Day for the musical to talk all about it with the cast and creatives.
#2 - Chip Zien, the Original Baker
Chip Zien charts his journey Into the Woods from James Lapine's dissatisfaction with his performance as a prince in the first reading to the night late in the Broadway run, he walked in on Stephen Sondheim all alone and crying in his darkened dressing room.
The hot, nasty, sweaty production that was 2012's Into the Woods in Central Park made way for this special Josh Swallows Broadway reunion episode as Josh hosts his former cast mates Jessie Mueller, Chip Zien, Sarah Stiles, and Gideon Glick.
It Takes Two...well, almost two...... glorious hours to look back on the career of Broadway's favorite neurotic, Chip Zien. One of entertainment's most recognizable character actors sits down with Rob and Kevin to discuss his collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, Bill Finn, James Lapine, and what it was like to create such roles as Falsetto's Marvin AND Dr.
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