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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

Titanic Titanic
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Captain E.J. Smith
Harmony Harmony
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Rabbi
Harmony: A New Musical Harmony: A New Musical
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2022
Elder Rabbi
Caroline, or Change Caroline, or Change
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway Revival, 2021
Mr. Stopnick
The Royal Family of Broadway The Royal Family of Broadway
[Regional (US)]
Regional World Premiere Production, 2018
Oscar
Candide Candide
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Max's servant (Hugo), Radu (1st Bulgarian), Judge, Father Bernard, Rich Jew (Issachar), First Gambler
It Shoulda Been You It Shoulda Been You
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Murray Steinberg
The Big Knife The Big Knife
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2013
Nat Danziger
The Twenty-Seventh Man The Twenty-Seventh Man
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2012
Vasily Korinsky
The People in the Picture The People in the Picture
[Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Yossie Pinsker
The Country Girl The Country Girl
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Phil Cook
Applause
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2008
Buzz Richards
Les Miserables Les Miserables
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2006
[Replacement]
Thénardier [Replacement]
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 2005
Goran
The Boys from Syracuse
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2002
Dromio of Ephesus
A New Brain
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1998
Mr. Bungee
Mr. Bungee
Into the Woods
[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1997
Baker
An Imaginary Life
[Off-Broadway]
1993
Matt Abelman
Falsettos
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Mendel
Grand Hotel
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1989
Otto Kringelein [Replacement]
Into the Woods
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Baker
Into the Woods
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway), 1986
Baker
Merrily We Roll Along
[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 1985
Charley Kringas
Diamonds
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1984
Performer
Performer
Isn't It Romantic
[Off-Broadway]
1984
Marty Sterling
Isn't it Romantic
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Marty Sterling
March of the Falsettos
[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 1982
Mendel
March of the Falsettos
[Off-Broadway]
1981
Mendel
March of the Falsettos
[Off-Broadway]
1981
Mendel
March of the Falsettos
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1981
Mendel
The Suicide
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Victor Victorovich
Split
[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer
In Trousers
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Performer
Performer
Tuscaloosa's Calling Me ... But I'm Not Going!
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1975
Performer
Tuscaloosa's Calling Me...but I'm Not Going
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer [Replacement]
Dear Mr. G
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Louis Polaski
All Over Town
[Broadway]
1974
Charles Cogan (Understudy)
Demetrius (Understudy)
Detective Kirby (Understudy)
Louie (Understudy)
Laurent (Understudy)
Ride the Winds
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1974
Inari
Smile, Smile, Smile
[Off-Broadway]
1973
Performer
Curtains
[New York]
Workshop, 2003
Performer
Patch, Patch, Patch
[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

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News


West Bank Café to Launch Partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation Photo
West Bank Café to Launch Partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2025

West Bank Café has revealed their partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, lining the walls of the 42nd Street restaurant with both originals and limited-edition lithographs of Broadway’s biggest stars. Learn more!
Playlist: The Best of William Finn Photo
Playlist: The Best of William Finn
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 12, 2025

We are celebrating William Finn's life and works with a playlist of 40 of our favorite William Finn songs. Enjoy songs from musicals like: Falsettos, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A New Brain, In Trousers, Elegies, and more. 
Flashback: Broadway Sings William Finn Photo
Flashback: Broadway Sings William Finn
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 11, 2025

Composer and lyricist William Finn passed away on April 7 at the age of 73. Finn is best known for his Tony-winning work on the musical Falsettos, as well as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A New Brain, and more. Watch in these videos as some of Broadway's best take on his iconic catalog.
Ariana DeBose, Lorna Luft, and More Join Laurie Beechman Theatre Reopening Event Photo
Ariana DeBose, Lorna Luft, and More Join Laurie Beechman Theatre Reopening Event
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

Additional performers including Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, Tony Award nominee Andrea McArdle, Lorna Luft, and Nina West, have been added to the lineup for Renaissance Gala.
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Hosts Benefit Performance Photo
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Hosts Benefit Performance
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 3, 2025

On April 2, Manhattan Theatre Club hosted a special benefit performance of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Review: SONDHEIM’S MASTERPIECE COMES TO LIFE WITH INTO THE WOODS at New Tampa Playe Photo
Review: SONDHEIM’S MASTERPIECE COMES TO LIFE WITH INTO THE WOODS at New Tampa Players
by Drew Eberhard - Mar 31, 2025

Into the Woods is a Tony Award-winning 1986 Musical written by Stephen Sondheim (Music/Lyrics) and James Lapine (Book), marking their second collaboration following Sunday in the Park with George (1984). Into the Woods premiered in 1986 at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre and then was followed by a Broadway transfer in 1987 which amassed three Tony Awards (Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress. A year in which many know the “Great White Way,” was dominated by The Phantom of the Opera.
André De Shields, Lillias White and More to Reopen the Laurie Beechman Theatre Photo
André De Shields, Lillias White and More to Reopen the Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2025

Tom D’Angora and Michael D'Angora, producers and owners of the West Bank Café, will present the official Renaissance Gala, marking the reopening of the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Learn more and see how to attend.
GoFundMe Campaign Launches to Save The West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre Photo
GoFundMe Campaign Launches to Save The West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jul 23, 2024

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! Photo
Photos: Go Inside the Farewell Gathering for TITANIC at Encores!
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 29, 2024

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 Encor Photo
Video: Original TITANIC Cast Member Victoria Clark Misses the Boat At Tonight's Encores! Performance
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 14, 2024

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 Photo
Video: More Highlights from Encores! TITANIC
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 13, 2024

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! Photo
Video: Watch Jesse Eisenberg Make a Cameo in TITANIC at Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 13, 2024

Watch as Jesse Eisenberg makes his New York City debut in Titanic!
Review Roundup: TITANIC Sets Sail at Encores! Photo
Review Roundup: TITANIC Sets Sail at Encores!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 12, 2024

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! Photo
Photos: TITANIC Sails Into City Center with An All-Star Cast!
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2024

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! Photo
Video: Highlights From TITANIC at New York City Center Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2024

Watch highlights from Titanic at New York City Center Encores!
Photos: The Cast of Encores! TITANIC Meets the Press Photo
Photos: The Cast of Encores! TITANIC Meets the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 10, 2024

 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! Photo
Video: TITANIC Sails On Into Rehearsals at Encores!
by Joey Mervis - Jun 6, 2024

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 Photo
MARY POPPINS Composer Richard M. Sherman Has Passed Away at 95
by Blair Ingenthron - May 26, 2024

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 Photo
Lilli Cooper Joins Chuck and Eddie Cooper in Encores! TITANIC
by Nicole Rosky - May 22, 2024

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 Photo
Video: Watch the 30-Piece Encores! Orchestra Rehearse TITANIC
by Nicole Rosky - May 22, 2024

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.
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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.

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