|
Chip met Malcolm Hillgartner and Jahnna Beecham in the summer of 1995, and his life has never been the same. Together, the three of them, along with the original cast, created one of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences, the world premiere of the Hollywood Cowboy Music jukebox musical called CHAPS! at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, MI! It was a huge hit and returned for a remount in 1996, where Malcolm and Chip refined the vocal score.
It was CHAPS! that earned Chip his AEA union card, when Pat Patton, artistic director of Tacoma Actor's Guild, invited Chip out to reprise the role he created, Clive Cooper. Chip has been involved in 5 productions of CHAPS! Jahnna and Malcolm have invited Chip to be a part of two other projects of theirs. The second, the World Premiere of They Came From Way Out There originated at Oregon Cabaret Theatre and again years later at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. Chip came up with the idea of the A cappella Also Sprach Zarathustra, during the opening number. Chip worked with Malcolm and Jahnna on another original production, Dogpark The Musical, which featured Gypsy Jazz Band arrangements of the numbers, and the aim was to find some jazzy harmonies to be sung. Fortunately for Chip, who is a ukulele aficionado, the open tuning of the Uke provided an excellent basis from which to derive the vocalizations. Chip is extremely proud of his association with Malcolm and Jahnna, who continue to create new musicals for theatre. |
Listen to vocal arrangement demos below |
