In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews multi-instrumentalist Chris Reza about his work in the Broadway music scene and activism while serving as vice-chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee, the liaison between the Broadway Musicians Community and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.
"Employers benefit from the disorganization of freelance musicians. But when we come together and have conversations about our working conditions, there is a power that arises which brings about change."
In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews multi-instrumentalist Chris Reza about his work in the Broadway music scene. His performance credits include Fun Home, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. Book of Mormon, Matilda, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and many more. Reza is also composer, lyricist, and book writer for the musical Question 1 , a satirical musical dramedy about a closeted politician who becomes the center of Maine’s 2009 same-sex marriage debate.
While serving as vice-chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee, the liaison between the Broadway Musicians Community and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, Reza founded the Electronic Music Committee in early 2018 and served as its Facilitator through late 2019. He oversaw the development and rollout of Broadway’s first-ever industry-wide assessment of electronic music practices, the creation of Local 802’s first-ever Guide to Electronic Music, and the establishment of recommendations to help modernize our union’s contractual electronic-music provisions.
Topics discussed in this episode include Reza's approach to the music business, his insight into how musicians are coping during the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of becoming an activist, and his involvement with MFM.
Visit Chris Reza at chrisrezamusic.com.
The following music featured in this episode are:
Opening track: "Intermission Song" from the 2019 Off-Broadway Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson. Featuring Chris Reza on flute and tenor sax
Middle track: "Ring of Keys" from the 2015 Broadway musical Fun Home by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori. Featuring Chris Reza on clarinet and flute.
Ending track: "Come to the Fun Home" from Fun Home. Featuring Chris Reza on tenor sax and flute.