Miss Saigon Opens at TUTS Houston on Tuesday, February 9th

Venue Change! Fanclub Brunch at the Doubletree (downtown) in Houston

If anyone is planning to be in Houston for "Miss Saigon" and would like to meet other Eric Kunze fans at a brunch on Saturday, February 13th at the Doubletree Hotel (5 blocks from the theater) contact Maggi at maggiwun@yahoo.com.  We will start at 11am and will be finished in time to make the 2:00 matinee performance.  Eric has the nicest fans in the world and we always have a great time together!  We will be meeting at the Trofi restaurant in the hotel.  Let me know you are coming so I can plan how many seats we will need!

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

Houston News

Get Out Your Hankies For TUTS' Miss Saigon 
http://bit.ly/ap48wr

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 Kunze in "Miss Saigon" at Theater Under the Stars Houston Feb.9-21st

Eric will be starring as Chris in "Miss Saigon" at Houston's Hobby Center, Theater Under the Stars from February 9th to February 21st.  Tickets available at:

http://www.tuts.com/

Set in the days before Saigon's fall to Communist forces at the end of the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon is the dramatic love-story of an American G.I., Chris, played by Eric Kunze who performed the role on Broadway and was seen at TUTS in Whistle Down The Wind and Jesus Christ Super Star, and a young Vietnamese woman, Kim, played by Melinda Chua, who starred in the Broadway, German and both national touring companies of Miss Saigon. Philip Michael Baskerville plays American G.I., John, and Jessica Rush, a native of Orange, TX, appears as Chris's new American wife, Ellen. The engineer will be played by Joseph Anthony Foronda, who portrayed the role on Broadway and in the original TUT's premier presentation in 2001.

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.

Godspell Video

Great video interview with Eric and clips from the set of Godspell:
(Click first video square next to "playlist" at bottom left corner)
(You'll have to wait through the commercial)

Play Video

Godspell Reviews

MUNY REVIEW: A buoyant "Godspell" stars divine Eric Kunze

Boosted by Eric Kunze’s charismatic turn as Jesus and a fresh makeover of the nearly 40-year-old musical, “Godspell” provided another peppy opening night this Muny season...

The emotion comes through, centering on Muny favorite Kunze as a different Jesus (he’s appeared twice as the title character in “Jesus Christ, Superstar”). While most of his songs here don’t show off his glorious tenor like past star vehicles – such as Chris in “Miss Saigon” last year and as the lead in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” the year before, the handsome Broadway veteran certainly can fill up a stage with his presence, passionate acting and powerful voice no matter what he’s given to sing. "Alas for You" is heart-wrenching.
Lynn Venhaus for the News-Democrat

Read more here

Muny Continues Summer Season with Godspell

The Muny is presenting a very good production buoyed by a talented and energetic cast. Even if you're not a particularly religious person, you'll
still find plenty to appreciate in this family-friendly show...

Eric Kunze makes a fine Jesus, taking command of his followers and gently guiding them down the righteous path while relating tales designed to make them understand whatfaith really means. His strong voice comes through clearly on numbers like "Save the People", "All for the Best" and "Alas for You". BroadwayWorld.com (Chris Gibson)

Read more here

Here's a great interview with Eric from St.Louis Today:

"Eric Kunze is a Muny favorite and for good reason," said Paul Blake, the Muny's executive producer. A slender, well-muscled tenor with a killer smile, Kunze is unfailingly gracious with the fans — mainly teenage girls — who wait for him at the stage door after every Muny performance. He autographs programs and poses for photos and always seems glad to oblige." Judith Newmark, St. Louis Today

Well, we agree about the killer smile, but it's not only teenaged girls at the stage door... :-)

Read more here

Superstar Reviews and Articles

From The Beach Reporter, April 29th:

Director Stephanie A. Coltrin infuses an already rich show with contemporary spice and flavoring. Her use of the apron, which extends past the orchestra pit, puts the audience right in the action. More than half of a director's battle is casting strong, passionate talent, and Coltrin has assembled a cast of Broadway veterans whose voices shake the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center's rafters with muscle. The principal players including Eric Kunze (Jesus), Josh Tower (Judas), Karole Foreman (Mary), Ron Kellum (Peter), Jody Ashworth (Caiaphas), Kevin Bailey (Pilate), Robert Sean Thompson (Annas), Jason Webb (Simon) and Harrison White (Herod) embody their roles with such commitment and power they transcend previous interpretations. The passion of the ensemble matches and supports the principals eloquently.

From Backstage:

Kunze sings with great skill and passionate conviction. His characterization hits all the right notes of humanity for us to accept Christ as a fallible, feeling human rather than a religious icon. His stirring rendition of "Gethsemane" is particularly affecting.

http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-la-theatre/jesus-christ-superstar-1003967729.story

From the Daily Breeze:

Kunze, who sparkled as Jesus several years ago in a national tour, remains at the top of his skills.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12238870?source=email

An interesting article on the making of Jesus Christ Superstar:
http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2009/04/29/stepping_out/step2.txt

My Take on Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar
Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities
Redondo Beach, April 24- May 10, 2009


Since meeting Eric last year in Detroit after Whistle Down the Wind I always bemoaned the fact I never had a chance to see him in Jesus Christ Superstar. I had missed him when his two year stint with the national tour came through Detroit. Of course, I had heard him sing Gethsemane on You Tube and in the Andrew Lloyd Webber show in Washington DC. But those did nothing to prepare me for seeing him in character singing that song and playing the role. As usual, he put 100% of himself into the part. Being in the front row, I was able to see the nuances on his face change as he reacted to everything that was said and done to him. During the scourging and crucifixion, his physical reactions were so realistic I couldn’t look at him and it was a relief and reassurance every night at the stage door when he emerged his usual cheery, breezy self. That’s not to say he doesn’t suffer from bumps, bruises, aches and pains from being pushed, thrown on the ground, stomped on, punched, rolled down the stairs and whipped. I’m amazed at how he manages to do that role every night, night after night, vocally and physically. During the show I could hear people around me gasp with amazement at his voice and exiting the theater the word I heard over and over again was “awesome”. Of course, he got a standing ovation every night when he came on stage for the bows.

I must say the whole cast was very strong. When you are blessed with an ensemble like this it heightens everyone’s performances as they play off of one another, feeding off each other’s energy. Kevin Bailey played Pilate as conflicted: alternately regretful, sarcastic and cruel. His song during the trial was chillingly passionate. In the role of Mary Magdalene, Karole Foreman was perfectly matched to Eric. Her role is given more prominence in this production and her relationship to Jesus is more physical and affectionate than I have seen before. She doesn’t oversing her songs and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Everything’s Alright” are pitch perfect. I really liked Josh Tower as Judas. So often, this role is overacted. Josh paced his performance perfectly and as a result the suicide scene is all the more powerful. He and Eric worked together in Miss Saigon recently. They are obviously familiar and comfortable working together.

The costuming in this show was the only thing I would have done differently. Granted they were going for a more modern feel, as reflected in the set with it’s urban steel theme. The ensemble’s costumes had a hippy look to them; the girls in colorful skirts that looked like they came straight from the Gap, the guys in polo shirts and khakis and Eric in cargo pants and tunic. The Pharisees were in long black leather coats and the Roman guards were dressed more traditionally. Herod (played by Harrison White) and his entourage were in black leather S&M gear. When they first appear on stage there was a gasp and laughter from the audience and perhaps that is what the director was going for. I know this scene is the comic relief, but I felt somewhat uncomfortable with it and considering the age median in the audience I suspect I wasn’t the only one. Despite that, Harrison was hilarious and was rewarded with cheers and applause at the curtain call.

The supporting cast and chorus were uniformly talented and enthusiastic. Ron Kellum and Nicole Tillman were standouts to me. Each night, the evening was begun by James Blackman, founder of the CLOSBC, with his pitch for new season subscribers and introduction of the new shows for next year. His monologue was hilarious and had the audience in stitches. I told him he could easily take his act on the comedy circuit. One interesting sidenote: James told us that American Idol contestant Adam Lambert has also appeared on this same stage in Evita.

I attended the first three performances of Jesus Christ Superstar. If my impressions are any indication, this show will be a huge hit as word gets around. I wish Eric and the whole company of Superstar much success and a sold out house every night.













(The views expressed are the **unbiased** opinions of Maggi, and Maggi alone...)

Read more about my trip to California on my blog at: www.maggiwun.blogspot.com

Our Second Annual Fanclub Meeting

Our gathering after the April 26th performance of Jesus Christ Superstar was lovely. Eric's fans are the nicest people on the planet! We enjoyed beverages and munchies, passed out name tags, chocolates, Eric fans, and he autographed photographs for everyone. A special thanks to Karen, Gary and Jane for making the event so nice and to Mr. James Blackman for allowing us to meet in the theater. Finally, thanks to Eric for making all of our day!

Eric Kunze in Jesus Christ Superstar at Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities in Redondo Beach, April 22 - May 10, 2009

From Variety, Aug.6, 2003:
"When the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera made its groundbreaking transition from monster album to Broadway musical in 1971, Ben Vereen stole the show as Judas. In the majority of subsequent productions, Jesus has been routinely overshadowed by his betrayer. So the big news at the Wilshire is Christ's restoration from second banana to superstar, thanks to the outstanding voice and imposing presence of Eric Kunze in the title role."

From NewsObserver (North Carolina), Feb. 27, 2007:
"Eric Kunze's firm, smooth tone gives Jesus' emotions full vent, from the frustration in "What's the Buzz" to the tenderness of "Poor Jerusalem" and the anguish of "Gethsemane," a showstopper of mesmerizing power."

For more information and tickets:
http://www.civiclightopera.com/index.html

Eric wins IRNE Award for Best Actor - Musical !!!

Congratulations Eric!

Winners have been announced for the 12th annual Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Awards, which were presented last night at the Boston Center for the Arts. 25 different stage productions were honored, with awards bestowed in 24 categories for Large and Small Theatres.
Among the notable acting winners were Ross Bickell, Jack Davidson, and Penny Fuller for their performances in Merrimack Rep's A Delicate Balance; Bianca Marroquin for her performances in North Shore Music Theatre's Bye Bye Birdie and the national tour of Chicago; Anna Deveare Smith for her solo performance Let Me Down Easy; Ken Howard for his solo performance in According to Tip; and Eric Kunze for his performances in Reagle Players' Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the tour of Whistle Down the Wind.
(from TheaterMania/Boston Metro)

http://www.stagesource.org/pages/22465_irne_awards_2008_page_two.cfm

and

http://www.theatermania.com/boston/news/04-2009/penny-fuller-bianca-marroquin-anna-deveare-smith-a_18493.html

Excerpts from North Carolina Theater's "Miss Saigon"

From Classical Voice of North Carolina:

Eric Kunze’s soulful portrayal of Chris, whom he also played on Broadway, is another warm and winning performance...With stellar performances of Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Kevin Gray and its outstanding supporting cast, the North Carolina Theatre’s gala presentation of Miss Saigon proves once again that the Raleigh-based regional theater can create must-see musicals that rival the best of the bus-and-truck series. Don’t miss it.

http://www.cvnc.org/reviews/2009/032009/MsSaigon.html

North Carolina Theater's "Miss Saigon" Interview with Eric and Jennifer Paz

THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Breaks Kennedy Center House Record

Congratulations to Eric and the cast!!

The special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF Andrew Lloyd Webber has broken the house record for the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater. Grossing $650,997 for the week ending January 4, 2009, it was the second and final week of the two-week engagement.

The Washington Post raved, "Very impressive. The hits come crashing at you in an evening dedicated to crescendo and climax."

This special edition of the concert was devised by Andrew Lloyd Webber for this engagement. The Kennedy Center cast featured performers Shoshana Bean, Ron Bohmer, Tony Award nominee Liz Callaway, David Josefsberg, Eric Kunze, and Laurie Gayle Stephenson.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE_MUSIC_OF_ANDREW_LLOYD_WEBBER_Breaks_Kennedy_Center_House_Record_20090105

(Click on picture to enlarge program)

For more on the trip to DC, see my blog at http://www.maggiwun.blogspot.com/
Photos below from:

http://broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Flash_THE_MUSIC_OF_ANDREW_LLOYD_WEBBER_20081230

This photo from "Whistle Down the Wind" takes my breath away! I want to see Eric in this show again! Somebody please bring it back!

L.A. Ovation Awards: Congratulations Cast and Crew of Miss Saigon!

Congratulations to Eric and the whole cast and crew of Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities for winning the L.A. Ovation award for Best Musical, Large Theater! Kudos!

















These rehearsal photos are from the Muny "Miss Saigon" in July:



(Taken by Billy Bustamante Photography)

Eric Kunze Nominated for an Ovation Award!

We are happy to congratulate Eric on his nomination for a 2008 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for his portrayal of Chris in Miss Saigon at the Civic Light Opera in Redondo Beach!
"L.A.'s most coveted theater honor." -- Los Angeles Times

Nominations for the 2008 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards have been announced. The ceremony will be held at 7:30pm on November 17 at the Harriet & Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State L.A. and will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.

The Civic Light Opera of Bay Cities' production of Miss Saigon led the pack with 11 nominations, including nods for actors Kevin Bailey, Jennifer Paz, Misty Cotton, and Eric Kunze, followed by 10 nominations for Musical Theatre West's production of All Shook Up, including nominations for actors Danny Calvert, Bets Malone, Barry Pearl, and Gwen Stewart. The Cabrillo Musical Theatre's productions of Jekyll & Hyde and Singin' in the Rain, received nine nominations each.

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/15454

LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards site: http://www.lastagealliance.com/ovationaward.asp

Summer Memories

Our Fanclub Meeting in Sacramento

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

As busy as he was with the shows, promotion and visitors in Sacramento, Eric still made time to stop in at our fanclub meeting on Sunday at the Sheraton Grand. What a guy! I have posted a full report of my visit to Sacramento with my niece and our visit to see Eric in "Evita" for four performances on my blog:
www.maggiwun.blogspot.com

Summer Wrap-Up

It's been quite a summer for our Eric, in my opinion the hardest working and most versatile actor in the business. He's been on the road for a year, starting last August when he began touring with "Whistle Down the Wind". When "Whistle" wrapped he headed for New York and shortly afterward began rehearsing in Redondo Beach in for "Miss Saigon". That was followed in June by "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in Waltham, Mass, which was followed in July by "Miss Saigon" at the Muny in St. Louis, which was followed by the current production of "Evita" here in Sacramento. All leading roles, every one garnering admiration and rave reviews for his performances. In "Evita" he's on the stage 90% of the time. Some days there are two performances and after each show the actors have obligations to perform promotion, publicity and autograph signing. Few of us can understand the intensity of this business. He has three more performances of "Evita" here in Sacramento, after which he deserves a nice break and a rest for those golden vocal chords. I have been privileged to see five of those performances, each one endlessly entertaining. It's sad that my wonderful summer of Kunze musicals is coming to an end, but I am hopeful that we have many more roles to look forward to in the future. Thank you, Eric, for your dedication to your craft and all the fun you've blessed me with!

Eric Kunze is a Man for All Musicals (article)

He's played Jesus, Joseph, Che and The Man. That's Jesus as in "… Christ Superstar"; Joseph as in "… and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"; Che in "Evita" and the mysterious stranger The Man in "Whistle Down the Wind" – all Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals.

"He's given me a lot of work," said Eric Kunze, who, beginning Tuesday, will once again portray the revolutionary Che Guevara, narrator of the story of Eva Perón that is told in "Evita."

Read more at:
http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/story/1141187.html

Review by Jim Carnes:
Kunze, with his expressive tenor voice and authoritative prowling around the stage, propels the piece.
http://www.sacbee.com/572/story/1157206.html

Eric's on Wikipedia!

It's official! Eric is now on Wikipedia!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_kunze
And...
Thanks to our German fanclub friend, Kim, Eric also has a German Wikipedia page:
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Kunze
Thanks so much Kim!!!

Evita in Sacramento!

Eric singing "High Flying Adored":




(Photos from California Music Theater's Facebook page)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1165303&id=17187136203

"Evita"
August 12 - August 17, 2008
Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion

From Playbill, 6-10-08
As previously announced, Saved's Julia Murney, whose Broadway credits include Wicked and Lennon, will play the title role in the Music Circus production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita. Eric Kunze, seen in the national tour of Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind, will play Che with Scott Blanks as Peron. Glenn Casale will direct the Tony-winning musical with choreography by John MacInnis and musical direction by Dennis Castellano. http://www.playbill.com/news/article/118510.html

From California Musical Theater:
Julia Murney, who starred on Broadway as Elphaba in "Wicked," will make her Music Circus debut as Eva Peron in "EVITA" August 12-17, 2008. She will be joined by Eric Kunze as Ché. Kunze, reprising his role at Music Circus from eight years ago, recently starred as The Man in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Whistle Down the Wind." A favorite with Music Circus audiences, his other credits include Joe Hardy in "Damn Yankees," Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar," Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and Joe Cable in "South Pacific." Juan Peron will be played by Scott Blanks, who performed the role in two different national tours. "Evita" will be directed by Glenn Casale with choreography by John MacInnis.

(Ed.note)
Here is a review from 2000 when Eric played the role of Che:
by Joe Blenkle/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
If you want a real treat, catch the Music Circus' production of EVITA, playing July 10-16 at the "new" Wells Fargo Pavilion. EVITA is the opening show of the 2000 season - the Circus' 50th under the tent downtown.
While Eva Peron (Natalie Toro) - Evita - is the object of this Tim Rice/Andrew lloyd Webber musical, it's Che (Eric Kunze) that stands out in this production. He just gets better and better every time we see him.
As the program says, "Che is at times a narrator, at times an observer, at times simply a device that enables the authors to place Eva in a situation where she is confronted with direct personal criticism." As such, Kunze gets a lot of stage time and has a lot of dialogue and singing - a real treat for the audience. His character is always in the middle of things, as Che does not look upon Eva the way the rest of Argentina does - trusting neither "Evita" or her supposedly kind and caring motives.
Kunze was fabulous in this role and returns to Sacramento after performing in several other notable roles the past few years, including Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (1998), Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES (1997), The Prince/Wolf in INTO THE WOODS (1997) and Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (1996). Kunze has had some meaty Broadway roles, as well, performing as Marius in LES MISERABLES, Chris in MISS SAIGON and as Joe Hardy in DAMN YANKEES. Kunze has a fabulous speaking and singing voice - not to mention good looks - a fact not overlooked by the female audience members in Sacramento each time Kunze sets foot on the stage.


"Miss Saigon"
May 3 - May 18 (Preview April 29th) 2008
Redondo Beach Civic Light Opera
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310)372-4477

















From The Beach Reporter 4/23/08:
http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2008/04/25/stepping_out/step1.txt

Check out these photos:
http://www.civiclightopera.com/DOWNLOADS/photos/SAIGON.html

Review by Kent Stoddart:
Coltrin’s actors balance the high emotional peaks of the show with a coolness that tempers; passionate moments do not overstep the modesty of nature. The casting of the show incorporates veterans of Broadway and national touring companies. Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, Misty Cotton, Harrison White, Bonifacio Deoso Jr. and Kevin Bailey understand how to marry the emotional and intellectual demands of the book and score. From the principals to the ensemble, this is a top-notch company of players. http://www.tbrnews.com/articles/2008/05/08/stepping_out/step6.txt

Review by Tom Fitt:
Eric Kunze is a believable Chris with a great voice.
http://www.easyreadernews.com/story.php?StoryID=20033471

Review by Steven Stanley:
Eric Kunze played Chris during the Broadway run, and one cannot imagine a more handsome and charismatic lead. Not only does Kunze have the voice and the looks and the acting chops, his boy next door quality immediately convinces the audience of his sincerity. His emotional “Why, God Why?” is heartbreaking.
http://stagescenela.com/html/miss_saigon.html


"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
June 12 - June 22, 2008
Reagle Players (Robinson Theater)
617 Lexington Street Waltham, MA 02452







A blogger's take on the show and Eric:
http://starshine-3.livejournal.com/15529.html

Taunton Gazette, June 13:
The one exception is Eric Kunze, who brings a raft of Broadway and touring experience to the role of Joseph. Not only can you hear every single one of his words, but he sings with real feeling and passion, particularly when he's thrown in Potiphar's jail, and he helps to center the show as the comic wildness spins around him.
http://www.tauntongazette.com/arts/x1816434254/Reagles-has-a-very-Technicolor-Dreamcoat

From Boston.com:

In this production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, 19-year-old Brown will not have to stand alone before an audience of 30 million, as she did on "Idol." She plays opposite Eric Kunze (Joseph), who has starred on Broadway in "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," and "Damn Yankees." Eagle sums up his vocal ability in just two words: "It's exceptional."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/06/12/something_new_to_sing_about/

See the April 7, 2008 Playbill:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/
116552.html


"Miss Saigon"
July 21 - July 27
St. Louis Muny Opera (The Muny) Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 361-1900 x550
Tickets on sale now:
http://www.muny.org/
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/118424.html

Eric is Chris in Miss Saigon

So far, I've seen Eric in three shows: Whistle Down the Wind, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. Each of the characters in these shows were diametrically opposite of the other. Now I can add another character to my growing list of Eric Kunze performances. His versatility amazes me. So complete was his inner transformation I actually didn't recognize him when he first entered the vast Muny stage. This is a difficult role to play on an emotional level. There are layers of anger, passion, tenderness, fear and regret. His every word, every action, every note was perfect. I know I may sound a little (or a lot) prejudiced, but I believe everyone in the the 11,000 seat theater must have realized it too. When he was on stage the hugeness of the area felt as intimate as a living room. My estimation of him increases with each visit.

The chemistry between Eric and Ma-Anne Dionisio is exquisite. She portrays the heartbreaking anguish of her character perfectly, evidenced by the muffled sobs around us. I loved the use of asian percussion instruments in the pit, as well as the scenic design and liberal use of red as a backdrop. This must be one of the few venues where an actual helicopter can be used for the evacuation scene. I could feel my heartrate increase as it hovered over us and shone spotlights across the stage and the audience.

For a complete trip report with more photos, see my blog at: www.maggiwun.blogspot.com

Miss Saigon at the Muny Opera in St. Louis

Review 7/22/08
From St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

Dionisio and Kunze are terrific as the touching young lovers. His voice is powerful and hers is lyrical. When they first embrace, it’s so tender that it makes you blush to watch. Their duet, "The Last Night of the World," may not make much sense lyrically, but its aching melodic arc speaks for itself.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/reviews.nsf/stage/story/347C19AA0F917A0D8625748E005A4759?OpenDocument

Whistle Down the Wind

Eric toured to rave reviews for his performances with "Whistle Down the Wind", with stops in Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia and Norfolk, VA.

Eric's Reviews from "Whistle"

From Broad Street Review - Philadelphia
"Eric Kunze is a marvelous Broadway leading man with thrilling big notes and, even more impressively, beautiful soft notes that float effortlessly and sometimes swell excitingly from piano to full volume while maintaining the original pitch and timbre–what opera singers call messa di voce."

(ed. note)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messa_di_voce

From Maggie Flecknoe – KTRH NewsRadio 740 – Houston
Eric Kunze (The Man/Convict) is probably the most talented actor I have seen take to the stage. He has such a strong presence. And his vocal range is amazing. Andrew Lloyd Weber could not have found a more fitting actor to give his musical the justice it deserves.

From the Detroit News:
As the mysterious Man, Eric Kunze is a studly Christ figure with a strong presence and terrific voice.

From Theatermania (Sandy McDonald):
As the convict-escapee, all Kunze needs in the way of costuming is a ripped tee baring burnished biceps. And when he nails his anguished high notes, you get some sense of what all the fuss about Enrico Caruso was about. Yes, he's that good.

(ed. note)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrico_Caruso

From Variety:
Kunze is rightly charismatic, and God knows he has a Bible Belt of a voice well suited to the character's big ballads.

From Seattlest:
The two leads, Eric Kunze and Andrea Ross, are spectacular singers.

From the Patriot Ledger (Boston):
It’s blessed by one world-class performance, that of Eric Kunze, identified in the program as The Man. Kunze is a matinee idol in the old-fashioned mold: tall, dark and handsome with a voice that is breathtaking in its lovely high tenor range, enhanced by a go-for-broke emotive style.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
The real redemption comes from the show's star, Eric Kunze, whose beautiful tenor, shifting effortlessly into that signature Webber falsetto, is consistently fine.

Reviews from "Jesus Christ Superstar"

From Variety, 2003:
"When the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera made its groundbreaking transition from monster album to Broadway musical in 1971, Ben Vereen stole the show as Judas. In the majority of subsequent productions, Jesus has been routinely overshadowed by his betrayer. So the big news at the Wilshire is Christ's restoration from second banana to superstar, thanks to the outstanding voice and imposing presence of Eric Kunze in the title role."

From Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group, 2004:

The principals for this tour are outstanding: Lawrence Clayton as an R&B hot-throb Judas singing a mocking version of "Superstar"; Eric Kunze as pure rocker Jesus; and Natalie Toro, who was in the earlier production, as the beautiful and touching Mary Magdalene, who confesses "I Don't Know How to Love Him." With their gorgeous performances, these players drew us deeply into the show instead of causing us to wince.

"The goal of actor Eric Kunze, in the title role, is to humanize Jesus. Kunze succeeds by offering us a Christ who begins with dignity and calmness but loses more and more control of his life as the musical progresses.

Kunze's singing is wonderfully magnetic. He makes going from a rock scream to a whisper sound easy. His physical acting also amply portrays his character's suffering."

"Kunze has a gorgeously effective range, one that easily moves from a tender tenor to booming baritone. His solo on Gethsemane is heart-breakingly beautiful, and his strength and subtlety as a singing actor (vs. a thundering rocker) make the crucifixion scene discomfitingly vivid."

From Classical Voice of North Carolina:
"Rising Broadway star Eric Kunze gives a passionate performance as Jesus, capturing Christ’s charisma and hitting all the high notes—some of which seem impossibly high."

Eric's Photos