Fanclub Dinner

A lovely time was had by all at our fanclub dinner at the Chase Hotel on Saturday, July 17th before the second to last performance of "Damn Yankees".  Some of had met before and some were new.  Two were from the St. Louis area and others came in from other states: New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa.  Everyone agreed their trips were worth it!  Not only were we blessed with Eric's company, but then we got to watch him in this old-fashioned romp.  What a treat!

Maggi's Review of "Damn Yankees"

Amidst cicadas chirping, ambulances whizzing by and airplanes buzzing overhead and despite the 95 degree heat and humidity, the cast of "Damn Yankees" presents an energetic, enthusiastic production at the 11,000 seat Muny amphitheather in St. Louis.  After viewing the 1958 movie, I wasn't sure I'd like the stage version, even though they are very similar.  But Director Paul Blake imbues the production with so much energy and color it hardly seems like the same story.  Blessed with a talented and professional cast, whose singing and dancing is top notch, the show is Broadway caliber.
 

Eric told me it would "make me smile" and it did, long after I left the theater.  Unlike other shows I've seen Eric in, i.e. Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Miss Saigon, this definitely is a feel-good romp.  Yet the type casting is still there:  Joe Boyd is a good, honest man, unwilling to cheat on his wife with the vamp Lola.  Eric is cast in these "hero" roles because he himself is a good man and it shines through him like a beacon, even in a huge venue like the Muny. 

Eric first appears onstage when he is transformed from the old to the young Joe.  His incredulity at his transformation is amusing and believable.  Eric builds his characterization slowly from naivite in his first encounter with Applegate to the smart and savvy real estate broker that he is at the end, outwitting his Faustian deal with the devil.  His tenderness with his wife (strongly portrayed by Linda Mugleston) is achingly touching.  It's fun to watch him squirm as he politely rebuffs the advances of Lola (a hilarious Angie L. Schworer). 

It takes a strong stage presence to hold his own against the more flashy role of Applegate (Lewis Stadlin) but Eric is a good foil for him when they are both on the stage.  Eric had good preparation for that when he starred in this show on Broadway in the 90's with Jerry Lewis.  It's a treat to see Eric participate in Bob Fosse's jazzy, stylized dance numbers, complete with bowler hats and chairs.  Is there nothing he can't do?   He looks wonderful, ladies. The costumes really suit his look and as a reviewer friend wrote to me recently, "You pick him out of a line-up of ballplayers VERY EASILY". 

I saw the show four nights in a row and each night was flawless.  Too bad these productions only run for a week.  What a waste!  I would travel to Broadway to see it again.


For photos of our trip to St. Louis and more of the fans and Eric see
http://picasaweb.google.com/maggiwun/DamnYankeesMunyStLouis2010?feat=directlink

The great reviews just keep rolling in...

Damn Yankees at the Muny:

Eric Kunze is very good as Joe Hardy, imbuing him with a likable quality that really shines through. He's especially good on the poignant numbers "A Man Doesn't Know" and "Near to You", as he ends up rooming with his wife, who's unaware of the physical transformation that's occurred to her husband.

http://stlouis.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW_Reviews_DAMN_YANKEES_at_the_Muny_20010101

Damn Yankees is a hit at the Muny by Lynn Venhaus:

The Muny is bringing out their heavy hitters to entertain -- fan favorite Eric Kunze, who has star quality no matter what part he plays, is Joe Hardy, the young hitting phenom who transforms the seventh place Washington Senators into a pennant contender.

http://www.bnd.com/2010/07/14/1328509/damn-yankees-is-a-hit-at-the-muny.html#ixzz0tesReNIY

Bronx Cheer: George Steinbrenner's dead, but Damn Yankees lives on:

Eric Kunze brings a winning personality to Joe Hardy. Although it's rare to see Kunze in anything at the Muny that doesn't involve capes, he has never been more appealing than he is here.

http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2010-07-14/culture/bronx-cheer-george-steinbrenner-is-dead-but-damn-yankees-lives-on/

Muny's 'Yankees' has Fosse's distinctive style:

Led by Schworer and Eric Kunze, a charmer who plays Joe after his transformation, the whole ensemble might as well be branded with Fosse's initials.

http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/reviews/article_679cc140-8e94-11df-9767-00127992bc8b.html

Eric Interview from KSDK Channel 5 News

Photos from Muny's "Damn Yankees"

(from Playbill.com)

A Promo Clip from Last Year's "Godspell" at the Muny with Eric Kunze

To get you in the mood for this year's Muny season, and "Damn Yankees", starring Eric Kunze as Joe Hardy, here is a clip from last year's "Godspell".  Don't miss coming out to the largest theater in the U.S., with 11,000 seats, in the beautiful Forest Park in St. Louis.  See above for ticket information and information about a special fanclub dinner in Eric's honor.

New Photos of Eric and Betsy Wolfe at the Detroit Symphony

Eric Kunze and Gina DeLuca performing at the Vista Conservancy Benefit on May 30, 2010

Eric singing "Why, God" from Miss Saigon:



Eric singing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph, with Gina DeLuca and the Calvary Chapel choir:

Vista Jamboree Music Festival, May 30th

Eric Kunze and Gina DeLuca, guest soloists at the Vista Jamboree Music Festival at the Moonlight Amphitheater, May 30th

May 22nd Celebration at the Detroit Symphony

I received more photos from fans at the DSO gathering. Check out the Facebook pages on Eric as well for video of the event!

 

Maggi's Report on "Music of the Night" with Eric Kunze and Betsy Wolfe

The evening started out with a delightful surprise visit from Eric at our fanclub dinner in the elegant Paradise Cafe at Orchestra Hall.  Twenty-three of us were gathered for a pre-theater meal and seven more were to join us at the concert.  Our entourage included fans who had traveled from Boston, New Jersey and Houston to catch this performance, as well as many of my family and friends who had heard me talk about Eric, but some of them had never seen him in action.  They were not disappointed! 

It just happened to be Eric's birthday that day and we had a cake for him and a surprise birthday present: a portrait of him in his role as "The Man" in "Whistle Down the Wind". The visit was short, but sweet, as Eric had to get to his dressing room to change into his tux and warm up. Luckily, we were able to see him afterward as well.

(If anyone is interested in their own portrait of Eric, or of another subject of your choice, contact Maggi for the email address of Ludovic Legros,  the French artist who painted this.)

The concert was a tribute to Erich Kunzel, who passed away last year and who was supposed to direct on this night.  Eric and Betsy sang the following selections, most of which were in the first act:

I Don't Know How to Love Him (Betsy) (Jesus Christ Superstar)

Close Every Door (Eric) (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)

Don't Cry for Me Argentina (Betsy) (Evita)

All I Ask of You (Eric and Betsy) (Phantom of the Opera)

Music of the Night (Eric) (Phantom of the Opera)

God Bless America finale

Eric looked very dapper in his Hugo Boss tux and black bowtie.  Betsy had a different breathtakingly beautiful gown for each number.  They both sang their songs straight into the audience's hearts and upon completion of each number there were loud shouts of acclaim and thunderous applause.  After Eric's "Music of the Night", and halfway into the next orchestral selection, the elderly lady next to me piped up in a loud voice, "That guy can really SING!!"  Haha, I agree!  When he sings that high note on "Let your soul take you where you want to BE" it just took our breath away.  What I liked best was the dramatic way he delivered the songs.  It wasn't just music, it transported you to a different time and place.  That is a direct quote from a friend of mine.  Another girlfriend called me the next morning and sang "I don't know how to love him..." into the phone.  Everyone who meets Eric is bewitched and enchanted.  As an added bonus, we had a lovely time visiting afterward in the Green Room. 

Another "Joseph" Review

Director Ron Kellum said Kunze’s reputation precedes him.
'You completely know why he plays these roles,” Kellum said. “He is the essence of these characters from Jesus Christ to Joseph to Chris in Miss Saigon. He walks into the room and there’s not an ounce of pretense. He is so open to the creative process and he’s so available even though he’s done these roles so many times. He always approaches it from a fresh place. I watched his process when we did ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ last year. He’s done that role thousands of times and yet he was open to try new things, to sing it a different way. He’s just talented. He can stand and deliver a song with the best of them.' "

http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2010/04/22/stepping_out/step2.txt

South Bay "Dreamcoat" Wears Well: Review in LA Daily Breeze

"Kunze, whose powerhouse vocals shined last season in the CLOSBC production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," again serves as a solid anchor. His Joseph is kind, but with a twinge of conceit that adds to the humor. Kunze's emotional range remains impressive, in particular during the show's low soulful number, Close Every Door."

Read more at: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_14961787

Seeing Eric Kunze in Joseph at CLOSBC

This is not the first time I've seen Eric portray this role, the last being with Reagle Players in Waltham, Massachusetts in 2008. To my delight and relief, this version of "Joseph" is G rated. The costuming is imaginative, colorful and modest. The one scene that could be (and often is) over the top, is where Potiphar's wife tries to seduce Joseph. Even in the film, that scene is depicted as an orgy. But director Ron Kellum is able to convey the story without making it uncomfortable to watch, which is reassuring to those planning to bring their young children to this production. Compared to the last show I saw Eric in, "Miss Saigon" in Houston, this is a piece of fluff, but it is nice to see him smiling. Eric's smile is so killer it could be used as a secret weapon. The lyrics, "I look handsome, I look smart. I'm a walking work of art" could have been written for him. On a serious note, the redemptive theme of forgiveness is presented clearly under Kellum's direction and Eric's acting ability.

The entire cast is strong, beginning with Kelli Provart, whose rich, full voice adds dimension to her role as the narrator. I kept thinking she reminded me of someone and finally I realized it was Ann Margaret, both in looks and the way her voice sounded.  Paul Ainsley does an admirable job on the dual role of Jacob/Potiphar and Robert J. Townsend, with his huge pompadour and blue suede boots brings down the house with his spot on impersonation of Elvis. I loved watching the children in the chorus, impressed that each and every one of them was in the moment and engaged all throughout the production. As a choir director, I know that is no small feat. In a lovely touch, one of the small boys even gets to sing with Eric stage front at the end of the show, when he puts the huge coat on him for a duet reprise of "Close Every Door".

I liked the blocking of "Grovel, Grovel", as each of the brothers falls down in a row in front of him, Eric steps over each prostrate body. The dancing chorus was impressive, especially the men in their "Canaan Days" number. Ty Taylor, especially, impressed with his soulful rendition of "Benjamin Calypso". According to his bio, he starting singing at the age of five in church and one could well imagine it. This show must be fun for the ensemble because of the variety of singing and dancing it offers, from French accents to rapping to belly dancing. At least it looks like fun from the perspective of the audience, which, I imagine, is the goal of the show. If that is the case, the goal was achieved, judging from the humming and smiling audience upon exiting the auditorium.

Broadway's Ron Kellum to helm CLOSBC's 'Joseph'

Kellum tapped Provart and Kunze in the pivotal roles. Kunze appeared at CLOSBC as Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and as Chris in "Miss Saigon." Provart toured the country as Amneris in "Aida."

"Besides being a great actor, Eric is wonderful at interpreting music."

Read more at: http://www.dailybreeze.com/lifeandculture/ci_14893480

"ATribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber" at the Sunset Center

The Webber show features five well-regarded professionals in musical theater, who have all worked on Broadway but are mostly based in Southern California at present. The all-star quintet includes Norman Large,  Kevin Earley, Eric Kunze, Valerie Perri and Dale Kristien, all of whom have played numerous roles in Webber musicals, both on Broadway and elsewhere.  The five, backed by an eight-piece orchestra, will sing some of Webber's most iconic songs, including "The Music of the Night" from "Phantom of the Opera," "Memory" from "Cats," "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," from "Evita" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye," from "Sunset Boulevard. 

Read more at: http://www.montereyherald.com/entertainment/ci_14468497?source=rss

Eric and President Bush Sr.

The cast of "Miss Saigon" were visited backstage by President Bush, Sr. and Barbara Bush after the performance.

"In his first solo of the evening, the audience is amazed at the talent, power and sadness in Eric Kunze’s marvelous voice as he sings the plaintive, “Why, God, Why?” His starring roles in a long string of theater favorites, such as Marius in “Les Miserables,” Tony in “Westside Story,” Che in “Evita, as well as Lt. Cable in “South Pacific,” have prepared him well for the sensitive portrayal as Chris in this heart-breaking story of a puzzling time, that is almost as difficult to understand now, as it was thirty plus years ago."
Read more at:
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/02/17/pasadena_citizen/lifestyles/021710_miss_saigon.txt

"But the cast keeps the story and the music grounded in a rich emotional landscape. They all have enormous knockout voices. When Kunze's Chris sings about his conflicted love or his sleepless nights, the effect is heart-wrenching."
Read more at: http://www.houstonpress.com/2010-02-18/culture/dream-girls/

Miss Saigon at TUTS Slideshow

"Handsome Eric Kunze as Chris is equally as excellent as Chris. His glorious tenor voice and fine acting casts a magic spell on Kim and also on us and reminds us what great musical theatre is all about."

Review from Buzz Bellmont, The Critics' Critic
Unplugged critiques of the arts, life, love and the pursuit of truth
Read more at:
http://tiny.cc/nw26D

Seeing Miss Saigon at TUTS by Maggi

Intense is the word I would use to describe this incarnation of Miss Saigon.  I realized my hands were shaking as I put on my coat to leave.   Each of the cast had been  so believable I realized I was transported to another time and place.  This was a world so different from my own, but the motivations and characterizations made it feel very familiar.  Love and passion at first sight, a mother's love for her child, a wife's love for her husband were themes I could understand and I felt I had lived through all those emotions in the span of 2-1/2 hours. 

Eric and Philip Michael Baskerville (John) were in the first national tour of Miss Saigon together in the 90's and Melinda and Eric worked on the show together a few years ago.  Their history as friends and co-stars shows on stage.  There were no awkward moments. Their dialogue and songs were as seamless as a well oiled machine.  Director Bruce Lumpkin did an admirable job, especially during the difficult and frantic evacuation scene.  Joseph Anthony Foronda took the flashy role of the engineer to a new level of smarminess.  His transformation from nightclub owner to groveling peon of the new regime and back again was a joy to watch.  As Ellen, Jessica Rush strikes a perfect balance between a sympathetic understanding of Kim's plight and her fierce desire to fight for her husband's love.  I especially loved the rich tone of her voice in "Now That I've Seen Her". 

Each time I see the show (I saw it on tour in the 80's and four times at last year's Muny presentation) I pick up something new.  This may seem obvious to everyone else, but it's the first time I realized the foreshadowing of Kim's death (Melinda Chua) singing to her son Tam in her beautifully performed song "I'd Give My Life For You".  The storyline was clearer to me in this production, a testament to the cast's diction and timing.  I understood every word. 

The TUTS production is steamier, sexier and grittier than I have seen before, a brave move on director Bruce's part.  If it weren't for the sad ending, it's perfect for a Valentine's Day date!  No one in the audience seemed to complain.  All the comments I overheard on the way out were superlative.

All right, ladies, here's what you have been waiting for.   How was Eric in the show?  Better than ever!  He just keeps improving with each show.  His commitment to the part is 100% each and every show. An orchestra member who has accompanied Eric in many productions told me he is the gutsiest performer they have ever seen.  This is not an easy part to do.  He has to convey tired cynicism, giddy first love, lust, anger, frustration and grief.  This is a very physical role and I can't imagine how he will do this twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday.  He is very physically fit and looks it (thanks to Bruce who allows us more than a glimpse of that fabulous physique a couple of times in the first act).   

I can't end this review without a shout-out to the conductor Thom Culcasi and the orchestra.  As a musician, I know from experience the speed and rhythms right from the very first notes make this is a particularly difficult score to play, but they carried it off with precision.  The whole show really was perfect from start to finish.  I'm so glad I will get to see it again four more times this weekend.  Stay tuned! 

God bless and good night!

Miss Saigon review: "Eric Kunze makes a persuasively love-struck, then haunted Chris, belting his power ballads with heartfelt zeal."

Read more at:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/6864801.html

Kunze and Chua complement each other in both on stage passion and chemistry but also in tone, vocally creating amazing harmonies throughout their duets. As the plot progresses Kunze masterfully moves Chris from carefree and smitten in love to a wiser man under the pressures of his complicated social situation.

Read more at:
http://houston.broadwayworld.com/article/MISS_SAIGON_Heat_is_On_at_TUTS_20010101

Photos of Eric and Melinda from the Houston TUTS Production of "Miss Saigon"

Enjoy a few preview photos of Eric Kunze (Chris) and Melinda Chua (Kim) from the upcoming Houston production of "Miss Saigon"!

Photos by: Bruce Bennett Photography

Miss Saigon Study Guide

TUTS (Theater Under the Stars) in Houston posted a link to a valuable resource for anyone attending or interested in "Miss Saigon":
http://www.tuts.com/Images/SeasonShowDocs/MissSaigon_StudyGuide.pdf

From Houston ABC Channel 13 on "Miss Saigon". Just a tiny snippet of Eric singing at mark 56:

Eric Interview on Fox26 Morning News in Houston

Melinda Chua, who plays the role of Kim, and Eric Kunze, who plays the role of Chris, visit FOX 26 Morning News Extra to preview the touring production of "Miss Saigon."

Eric and Gina honored on the Vista Walk of Fame

On Monday, January 18, 2010, the Vista Conservancy honored Eric Kunze and Gina DeLuca, along with nine other celebrities, who were originally from the area, in a ceremony as part of the opening of the Vista Walk of Fame!
Read more at:  http://tiny.cc/vistawalk

Damn Yankees at the Muny in St. Louis

The Muny has announced it's 2010 season.  This unique 11,000 seat outdoor amphitheater in St. Louis is where Eric did Miss Saigon in 2008 and Godspell in 2009.  On the lineup this year is "Damn Yankees".  Casting has not yet been announced, but we are hoping it will be Eric in the role of Joe Hardy.

*photo from the 1998 production of "Damn Yankees"

The St. Louis Globe-Democrat had an article on it today, with this notable quote:

If fan fave Eric Kunze headlines "Damn Yankees," then that has promise -- he once played Joe to Jerry Lewis' devil on tour.

http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/jan/08/dishing-it-out/

The Muny has a website where voting is possible for the most anticipated show.  If you wish to vote for "Damn Yankees", you can vote daily at:

http://www.muny.org/

New Year's Eve With the Cincinnati Symphony

MASQUERADE

New Year’s Eve Concert and Ball

Steven Reineke, Conductor

Betsey Wolfe & Eric Kunze, Vocalists

Mystery Guest

Thurs Dec 31, 2009

7:30 PM

Ring in the New Year with an evening of music and mischief. A mystery guest joins us on a musical gondola ride through Venice and beyond, with a Phantom finale. After the concert, join us upstairs in the Ballroom for a magical end to the evening with dinner, live music and libations. Mask optional.

Concert tickets: From $10

Ball tickets: $150

Concert tickets may be purchased separately from the Ball

For Tickets go to:

http://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/Content.php?id=55

Music of the Night in Vancouver

The concert, "Music of the Night", starring Eric Kunze and Betsey Wolfe and directed by Bramwell Tovey with the Vancouver Symphony was fabulous both nights and I heard everyone raving about how much they enjoyed it as we were walking out. The music featured was a compilation of songs from Broadway shows such as West Side Story, Phantom, Miss Saigon, Superstar, Evita, and Les Miserables. Bramwell Tovey, the conductor of the Vancouver Symphony is really funny and made a lot of side jokes and background information about the music. He actually played the organ with a mask on (a la Phantom) then walked up behind the head violinist and startled her with it. He was replacing Erich Kunzel, who was originally supposed to be the guest conductor and tragically passed away last month. Maestro Tovey joked that Erich was the only conductor he knew that insisted upon a case of beer in his dressing room. Tovey said, there must be budget cuts, because he did not get the same courtesy. They did a tribute to Erich Kunzel at the end of the concert.

A surprise was Eric, dressed as the Phantom, singing "Music of the Night". But the highlight for me, was "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables. It was in an even higher key than originally written, but Eric hit each high note impeccably and I found myself in tears throughout.

The second night, another packed house, was just as awesome as the first, in fact better. The audience stood up spontaneously as Eric and Betsey came out for their bows and stood again after the encore. I could hear many comments around me as we were leaving how much people enjoyed the show. Everyone was raving about it. A big success!

Eric and Betsey will be appearing together again in other cities.  Stay tuned to this site for updates.  A trip report and photos of the city can be found on my blog: http://www.maggiwun.blogspot.com/

Eric Nominated for an Ovation Award!

Eric Kunze was nominated for an Ovation award as Lead Actor in a Musical for his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar with the Civic Light Opera! The awards ceremony will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

What are the Ovations Awards? The LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards are the only peer-judged theatre awards in Los Angeles. Labeled the "...highest-profile contest for local theatre..." by the Los Angeles Times, the Ovation Awards presents an opportunity for the theatre community to join together and focus public attention on our city’s rich and lively performing arts scene. Another goal of the program is to draw national attention to the quality and quantity of professional theatre in Los Angeles. Read more at: Theatermania

Review of Window Pains

I had an unexpected opportunity to see Eric and Gina in Window Pains in Lake Havasu last weekend. By a stroke of luck I found myself in that part of the U.S. and was able to catch the show, which was a gala season opener for Grace Arts Live. It was a treat to see not only Eric, but see him work with his childhood friend and musical partner, Gina Deluca.

Grace Arts Theater is owned and operated by Grace Ann, longtime friend, teacher and mentor of Eric and Gina all the way back to junior high school. I'm sure she was very proud to host her proteges, who have both been a success on Broadway and across the nation, in their very own production here in Lake Havasu. The show is a very unique blend of dialogue and song in two acts. Brooke Cannon, a student of Gina, and Armando Guitterez played the younger couple in love, and Eric and Gina played the older, more seasoned couple, opening the show with three numbers from "Sunday in the Park With George". The only complaint I have is that I wanted to see and hear more. The show is available for bookings. Contact Gina via the Big City Broadway website: www.bigcitybroadway.com

Report on Voices for Hope - Montreal 2009

The Voices for Hope concert headlined our own Eric and Gina and featured many well known Canadian performers including opera singer Ching Hui-Kuo, French recording artist Michel Comeau, television actor Martin Bedard, tenor and radio personality Ashley Foote, Braulio Elicer from Altar Boyz. The concert was varied and entertaining and was well received by the audience.

Eric and Gina opened the show with a dialog and songs from three numbers out of "Sunday in the Park with George". Eric, dressed in dark pants, a black suede jacket, dark shirt and tie was the painter Georges Seurat, while Gina posed for him. She had on a gorgeous black period costume and sang the theme song, followed by Eric singing "Finishing the Hat" and they both sang "Move On". This is part of the program for their "Window Pains" show which they developed and will be performing in Lake Havasu at the end of the month and other venues in the future. Later in the show they did "High Flying Adored", this time with Gina in a stunning red dress and red heels. And they both did numbers from Les Miz: Eric singing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" and Gina doing "On My Own".

Trip to St. Louis to see Godspell (Photos)

Click on photo below to see the whole album:

Eric Kunze Muny St. Louis Godspell 2009

Seeing Eric in Godspell was completely different for me from any of the other shows he has been in. His performance combined a little of the humor of Joseph and the pathos of Jesus Christ Superstar. He was on stage the whole time, like in Evita. And rather than being a starring vehicle it was more of an ensemble piece, like Les Miz. But there the similarities end. His multi-faceted character was alternately playful, bouyant, enthusiastic ("I wanna get washed up!) to, in the second act, angry, sad and resigned.

For the first time I was able to witness Eric's dancing abilities. He's always been light on his feet. In "Whistle Down the Wind" he effortlessly scampered up and down the ladder in the barn. In "Evita" we saw glimpses of his dancing potential. In "Godspell" he leapt up onto the rungs of the merry-go-round, precariously balancing himself like a tightrope walker. While singing, he jumped gracefully onto picnic tables and ran up a slide without missing a beat or getting out of breath. The show was filled with topical references. My favorites were when Eric in black sunglasses and a flashlight as a microphone did a rap number, complete with the requisite head bobbing and hand movements and in another number falling on his knees and playing air guitar. Dressed in tan cargo shorts and a white gauze shirt, only half buttoned, he was clean shaven, his longer hair held back from his forehead by a bandana headband.



The crucifixion scene is one I always dread. I was relieved when it seemed that this time it would be done symbolically, with Judas tying Jesus' hands on either side of the gazebo, red strips of cloth hanging down symbolizing the blood. Yet during the dramatic music and Eric singing "Oh God, I'm bleeding", "dying", "dead", my heart broke just as if it were being graphically shown, a testiment to Eric's abilities as an actor as well as a singer.

I saw the show four times. Each night it grew on me more. I prefer seeing a show more than once, more than twice even, especially if it's a show I'm not so familiar with. It's like listening to a CD for the first time. By the third time, you are humming the tunes and hitting replay on certain songs. This production did extremely well with the Muny audiences. Despite being a "small" show by their standards, with a simple unchanging set, despite the fact it was All Star Baseball week in St. Louis, the 11,000 seat theater was quite full every night. I know I'm prejudiced, but I believe this is due in large part to Eric's popularity and talent.