*NSYNC’s JC Chasez on his Frankenstein-inspired concept album/future musical ‘Playing With Fire’*NSYNC’s JC Chasez on his Frankenstein-inspired concept album/future musical ‘Playing With Fire’

Michael W. Abbott

Since *NSYNC went on permanent hiatus, JC Chasez has mostly been making music for other people, behind the scenes. But he’s just released a new project where he does plenty of singing: Playing With Fire, a concept album based on Mary Shelley‘s Frankenstein, which he hopes to turn into a musical.

Putting out a proof-of-concept album before staging a musical dates back to 1970, and Jesus Christ Superstar. JC tells ABC Audio that’s the model he and his co-writer, Jimmy Harry, are using.

“We’re kind of taking our shot at putting the music out there and seeing how people respond to it,” he explains. “And hopefully, that leads to people being able to sing along … when they do come to the show.”

Playing With Fire is based on a play of the same name, which imagined an encounter between Victor Frankenstein and the monster he created. That idea of science run amok was what initially intrigued JC and Jimmy.

“Technology has enhanced our lives in so many ways, but handled irresponsibly, it can be very dangerous,” says JC.

But ultimately, he says the story became more about the father/son relationship between Frankenstein and his creature. JC is now determined to bring Playing With Fire to the stage, though he’s not sure if he’ll appear in it. Either way, it takes precedence over an *NSYNC reunion.

“The truth is, we’re talking more about ideas than maybe we have in the past,” he says of *NSYNC. “…Could something happen? Sure. But … Justin’s on tour … and I’ve made a promise to myself to see this project through.”

The project has even inspired a possible Halloween costume.

“I was Frankenstein, the scientist, last year,” says JC. “So that leaves the window open to be the creature this year.” 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.