Harmony star Chip Zien angry — and proud — as Judaism, Broadway collide amid antisemitism
No one knew it would be like this.
When "Harmony" was in development, the musical wasn't intended to debut on Broadway during a moment of war and crisis, of mounting antisemitism, of increased political divides.
But here it is, arriving and departing the Great Bright Way after an all-too-short run, in this moment. "Harmony" closes on Broadway on Feb. 4.
"I think it's unbelievable the show has landed at this moment in time," Chip Zien says. "It's very emotional. I have to say that I've felt an unusual responsibility to honor the material and deliver it as best I can."
Zien, who delivers a thunderous and heartbreaking turn as Rabbi, says the juxtaposition of the show and the times it has found itself in bring about a range of emotions.
"I feel anger and defiance and pride in the fact that I'm Jewish and that I'm delivering this message at this point," said the legendary actor, who has appeared on Broadway in each of the last six decades. He originated the role of The Baker in "Into The Woods," as well as originating performances in William Finn's Marvin Trilogy, among dozens of other theater and television roles.
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"It's not a long journey to connect with the ('Harmony') material at all," Zien said. "I'm very, very lucky to have this chance to deliver this message and I take it very seriously. I feel really defiant at times. And angry. That always helps fuel an actor, by the way."
The Comedian Harmonists
"Harmony," with book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman and music and arrangements by Barry Manilow, tells the story of the Comedian Harmonists, who producers call "the greatest entertainers that world would ever forget." International sensations who sprung onto the world stage in the late 1920s and early 1930s as a harmony ensemble from Germany, the group was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who saw their lives torn apart by the rise of the Nazi regime.
"We're living in such complicated times," Zien said. "Our show's kind of a cautionary tale about how easy it is to slide from a republic or democracy to a really horrendous dictatorship like what happened in pre-war Germany. I hope people get that message."
He sees hopeful signs from the stage.
"When I say (as Albert Einstein) 'the world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them and do nothing,' frequently people break out in applause."
Yo-yos backstage
Zien also serves as a leader backstage, bringing his decades of experience and insight to a cast that included countless Broadway debuts.
Among those lessons, he says, is the importance of being able to take a step back.
"For a show that gets quite serious, we had an uproariously funny time in our dressing room. I have yo-yo skills, I actually have some some fairly sophisticated tricks that I can do. I gave all the guys yo-yos, so we were practicing backstage. Can you imagine doing 'Harmony' and futzing around with yo-yos?"
Visit harmonyanewmusical.com and follow the production on social media to stay informed of any future plans for the show.
Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Harmony star Chip Zien feels pride, anger as Broadway, Judaism collide
