Andy Chen, the current Music Director for the national tour of the Broadway hit ‘Chicago,’ has come a long way in just two years.
Just two years ago, Chen found himself sitting in the audience of the iconic musical, reflecting on the possibility of being part of such a beloved production.
Recalling his experience, Chen said, “We had nosebleed seats. I remember sitting in the balcony…and thinking to myself, that couldn’t be me.”
In an unexpected turn of events, he was hired as Associate Music Director for the national tour of ‘Chicago’ just three months later.
The tour recently arrived in Seattle on October 22, marking another milestone in Chen’s career.
‘Chicago’ holds the title of the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, and its legacy resonates in popular culture, especially after the success of the 2002 film starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones.
This revival of ‘Chicago,’ revered for its blend of music and dark humor, has captivated audiences since its original musical debut in 1975.
Choreographed by jazz legend Bob Fosse, the production offers unique insights into the Jazz Age and the complexities of its characters.
Chen emphasizes that understanding the legacy of ‘Chicago’ is essential for anyone involved in musical theater, stating, “You can’t really become educated in musical theater without becoming aware of ‘Chicago,’ its legacy, and the iconic aspects of it.”
He believes that while ‘Chicago’ is a well-established production, each local incarnation is shaped by the cast and crew’s unique talents and backgrounds.
As he puts it, “This revival of ‘Chicago’ is the same all around the world, except where it is completely different.”
For Chen, the essence of any performance lies in the
image source from：nwasianweekly
