JC Chasez is ready to delve into the world of musical theater. The *NSYNC superstar revealed exclusively via Bulletin board on Sunday (September 8) that he will team up with Golden Globe-winning songwriter and composer Jimmy Harry for a musical theater album titled Playing with Fire. The 16-track work is inspired by Mary Shelly's seminal 1818 novel, Frankenstein, and combines electronic pop with classical music from the Romantic era to create a new twist on a centuries-old story.
The reimagining of the classic story came together when Harry showed Chavez a stage adaptation of the story by his late mother, playwright Barbara Field. Chasez was immediately captivated by the story, and the duo collaborated to create an album that represents a conversation between a dying Frankenstein and his creation, The Creature, at the grave of Frankenstein's wife, Elizabeth. Through musical conversation and flashbacks, “the two come to understand each other and the reasons for their actions that brutally affected each other's lives. They eventually find sympathy, love and forgiveness for each other,” according to a press release.
In addition to writing the project, Chasez also lends his vocals to a number of tracks Playing with Firealongside singers Cardamon Rozzi and Lily Elise. The album marks his first major musical project since his 2004 solo album, Schizophrenic.
“There are similarities [between writing a pop hit and musical theater songs] and there are some very big differences,” the star previously said Bulletin board for his interest in musical theatre. “When you're writing a single about something, you're just looking to write about what you're feeling at the moment. When you're working on a musical, there's always a bigger picture and the story is always the driving force.”
He added, “It's kind of the last thing I haven't really dealt with. I started in television, then moved into music and did a few films. Now, it seems that this is the last untapped thing. It's nice to experience all sides of it.”
Playing with Fire out via Center Stage Records on October 25th. Check out the full tracklist below.
- “This is how the world ends”
- “How do you sleep”
- “you touch me”
- “Broken”
- “This is the beginning”
- “One Over R Squared Part 1”
- “I found death at the University”
- “One Over R Squared Part 2”
- “The Animation”
- “Father”
- “Nobody Loves Nobody”
- “It's just a dream”
- “Make me someone to love”
- “Playing with Fire”
- “The Death of Brides”
- “don't go”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/jc-chasez-frankenstein-inspired-concept-album-1235769294/
