Monday, August 19, 2013

Upcoming Concert Appearances

 
 
 
  
"An Evening WIth Broadway Leading Man ERIC KUNZE"
Star of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Damn Yankees...and more!
 Eric's one man cabaret show featuring favorite selections from his history in the theater up until now.
(Ticket information will be forthcoming in the future.)
 
7pm Show
Del Webb Sun City Lincoln Hills
Lincoln CA (just north of Sacramento)
Buy your tickets here!
  
8pm Show
El Campanil Theatre
Antioch CA (in the Contra Costa County area of the San Francisco East Bay)
Buy your tickets here!
 

Eric sings "Finishing the Hat"

Hi fans, here is a special treat for our listening pleasure!


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Jango Internet Radio and Brindlebeast Update

Hi Fans, we are pleased to announce that Eric's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from Les Mis is now available on Jango Internet Radio.  Visit the page and leave comments here!



Also, he's just back from New York where the cast of Brindlebeast assembled to finish the completed demo of this up and coming musical.  We are excited to see the progress of the piece and look forward to seeing it on Broadway some day!  Read more and see more photos on the Brindlebeast Facebook page here.



Thursday, May 30, 2013

Opening Night of "Grease" at the Walnut Street Theater

Opening night of "Grease" at the Walnut Street Theater was a triumph of Bruce Lumpkin's directing and choreography by Michelle Gaudette.  It was clear that the cast had honed their roles to perfection after their initial run in Vero Beach.  I noticed a deepening of character development, especially on the part of Laura Giknis (Sandy). 

Eric was as perfect as ever, smarmy as Vince Fontaine, angelic as the Teen Angel.  He has a note at the end of "Beauty School Dropout" that slowly, tantalizingly, slides upward til you think he can't go any more that brings down the house.  The spontaneous applause drowns out the end of the song.  The audiences are loving the show, ticket sales are brisk and the run has already been extended until July 21st. 






Eric and Director Bruce Lumpkin

Maggi, Eric, Anita Riggio (Brindlebeast) and Matt Ragas (Danny


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Fanclub Dinner at the Square Peg in Philly

We had fun reconnecting with old friends and making new friends on Eric's second venture in two years in Philadelphia at the Walnut Street Theater.  In total, there were nineteen of us, young and older, excited to see Eric again.  He very graciously dropped by and spent time with us before he went to the theater for the show.  Our souvenir this time was pink sunglasses with Eric's fansite on them.  Can't wait til we can do it again!

The "Pink Ladies" and one Pink Man

Jeannine

Courtney


Susanne

Maggi and Eric



Saturday, April 20, 2013

"Grease" Moves to the Walnut!

Message from Eric:

"For all you 'North-easterners!'.... I am in Philly doing Grease to the end of July. If you want to join Maggi and the gang, or look into tickets, check out the info below. Its going to be a rockin good time!"

Buy Grease tickets here.











Photos by Maggi

Friday, April 19, 2013

Maggi's Grease Review

Riverside Theatre's production of Grease, directed by Bruce Lumpkin, is a delightfully campy romp through the 50's, filled with references that bring back fond memories for the largely senior audience. Founded over 30 years ago, with a recent $20 million renovation, the beautiful theater has one of the largest subscribing audiences in Florida. The lobby is filled with photos of its biggest benefactors and the program has an impressive seven page list of supporters.

This is no high school production. The cast is made up of seasoned professionals who work together as a well oiled unit. Their comic timing and enunciation is precise and the audience responded with enthusiastic laughter at the appropriate times. The characterizations are broadly drawn, almost in satire, as are the songs and musical numbers. While some songs are added from the movie (i.e. "Hopelessly Devoted") the stage production is more explicit in its adult themes.

As Danny and Sandy, Matthew Ragas and Laura Giknis have strong voices. Laura, as Sandy, was dressed and made up as such a little girl it made me wonder why Danny would be drawn to her. Kate Fahrner is impressive as Rizzo, effectively displaying a combination of outward toughness and inner vulnerability, especially in her heartfelt "There are Worse Things I Could Do".
Interestingly, Kate was "Ellen" in Walnut Street's "Miss Saigon" last season, opposite Eric's Chris. This production will move to Walnut Street in Philly in May.

Eric told me he is flying under the radar in this show, doing two cameo roles that are different enough from each other that the audience may not realize he is the same person. He doesn't appear onstage until the beginning of the second act, but his booming and snappy radio announcer voice can be heard a number of times throughout the first, coming through the transister radio. His unique voice is instantly recognizable and made me chuckle in delight. His character of Vince Fontaine is loosely based on a young Dick Clark and Eric certainly looks the part, in a well fitted trim suit, narrow tie and slick hair. He wasted no opportunity to come on to every female, young or old, including head mistress, Miss Lynch, delightfully played by Mary Martello. This was an entirely new side of Eric I have not seen before. A while ago I remember asking him if he could play "slimy" and he replied "I don't know". Well apparently he can. I'm convinced there is nothing he can't do.

When we see Eric again in "Beauty School Dropout" he is dressed in a blinding white suit with white tie and his pompadour is reminiscent of Frankie Avalon in the movie. He is breathtakingly good looking. A real teen idol. The song really showcases Eric's vocal abilities and the audience sits up and takes notice. It's evident he is having a blast with it, milking it for all it's worth, in keeping with the rest of the show. He takes his time building up the song, dazzling us with a gradual slide up to the final note, eliciting the loudest applause of the night.

I will see the show again on Saturday and may post again afterwards. The Vero Beach run is through May 4th. Tickets are still available at www.riversidetheatre.com.






Saturday, April 13, 2013

Eric is Teen Angel in Riverside Theater's "Grease", Vero Beach, Florida

 April 11th-May 14th
Buy tickets here

At Walnut Street Theater, Philly, May 14-July 14th
Buy tickets here

Thursday, April 11, 2013

From Maggi: This is a great photo from Eric's past!  Don't miss "Grease" in Vero Beach, FL opening today or in Philly in May.  (See details below.)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

See Eric in "Grease"

 
April 11 - May 4, 2013
"Grease"
Riverside Theater, Vero Beach, FL

"Grease" opens April 11th at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, in conjunction with the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia (May 14- July 14th.) Riverside is the only professional producing theater on the Treasure Coast and is considered to be the largest in the country to exist in a town as small as Vero Beach. Last season, about 76,000 people attended its shows. Its budget for the 2012-13 season was $6.5 million. We are excited to see Eric interpret the roles of Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel in these productions.  Vince Fontaine – An egotistical, slimy radio disk jockey trying to relive his teenage years. Notable Vinces have included Edd Byrnes (film version). Eric will also do the role of Teen Angel – which includes the ironic comedy song, "Beauty School Dropout". Usual portrayed as a teen idol, featuring a guest star, notable Teen Angels have included Frankie Avalon (film version).

This production will then move to:
May 14-July 14, 2013
Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/grease.php

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Brindlebeast Demo Review


From Maggi: Got this from Susan, one of our contest winners of the Brindlebeast demo CD. Thank you Susan!

 "My first impressions of Eric's "Brindlebeast" CD. 'Something There' reminds me of the feeling of 'Sunday In The Park With George' (couldn't help but visualize Eric doing the role of George:)So complex, hauntingly beautiful...rich lyrics. It's wonderful to hear Eric singing something original!!!  Read more here.

Friday, March 8, 2013

BWW Review: "Utah Symphony's 'Do You Hear the People Sing' is sublime"



From Maggi: Broadway World review of the Utah concert, "Do You Hear the People Sing" from which I took the following exerpts:

 "The other incredibly talented guest artists included Eric Kunze, who performed as Marius in Les Miserables and Chris in Miss Saigon on Broadway..."


and..."Other memorable moments included "I'm Martin Guerre" from Martin Guerre by Eric Kunze..."

 Read the full article here:

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Hartford Memories

This message was sent to me by Susanne from Philly, who attended our fanclub dinner and the Evening with Eric Kunze in Hartford.  Her review of the evening perfectly recaps the night and I am sharing it with you here.  Thanks, Susanne!



"Saturday night (Feb. 23rd) marked another wonderful adventure with Eric. Before the cabaret show in Hartford, I was blessed to have dinner with seven other fan friends who traveled from all over of the country to see Eric perform. Maggi made all the arrangements for us to have a nice block of time sharing a meal together before the show and we were able to meet new friends and catch up with those we knew. We laughed and talked as if we had all been together for years and we swapped stories of the first time we saw Eric perform. As his fans know, once you have heard that voice, you never forget it!...  (read more here.)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Message from Eric

I want to say "thank you" to the group that came out to support Brindlebeast, and express how excited i am for the evolvement and progress the piece is making. This is a very special show that has a story that will not leave a dry eye in the theater. I am so thrilled to be part of it!







Saturday, March 2, 2013

Utah TV Spot Promoting "Do You Hear the People Sing"

KSL 5 News Today spot with Eric and Jennifer Paz singing a bit of "Last Night of the World" from Miss Saigon.  They are at minute mark 2:39.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Channel 2 News in Utah


Eric, Jennifer Paz and Les Mis creator Claude Michele Schoenberg in a warm-up session before a TV 2 News interview in Utah before tonight's opening of "Do You Hear the People Sing" in Ogden.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Break a Leg Eric and the Cast of Do You Hear the People Sing, Ogden, Utah!



If you are within spitting distance of Ogden, Utah, DO NOT MISS this concert!  It is phenominal.  Five incredible artists singing the works of Boublil/Schoenberg with the Utah Symphony.  Thursday in Ogden and Friday and Saturday in Salt Lake City.  Break a leg, Eric Kunze and company!

http://www.utahsymphony.org/concerts/item/666-do-you-hear-the-people-sing-from-les-mis-to-miss-saigon

Monday, February 18, 2013

CD Contest Answers




Congratulations to the six winners of the CD contest.  You will have received your confirmation via email and your CDs will be mailed soon.
Here are the correct answers to the questions.
http://www.brindlebeastmusical.com/Home.html

1. In what Tony Award winning Broadway show did Alexandria Wailes (“Claire”) perform?   Big River

2. Alexandria Wailes performed in "Mother Courage and Her Children" at the Public Theatre in NYC. Who played the leading role?  Meryl Streep

3. In what TV soap opera did Emily Robinson (“Tessa”) appear? Guiding Light

4. In what national tour of a Disney musical did Danielle Lee Graves (“The Beast”) perform?  The Lion King

5. Eric Kunze (“Will”) toured for two years in the title role in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Who was his famous co-star, playing Judas?  Carl Anderson
 

(photo by Gregory Costanzo)

Thursday, January 31, 2013

 
(Click to enlarge)
 
Fan dinner (with a possible visit from Eric) near the venue on Saturday, February 23rd at 5:00 before the cabaret.  If you would like to attend, let Maggi know by email: maggiwun@yahoo.com

Eric is currently in Mexico for the "Do You Hear the People Sing" performance at the famous Angela Peralta Opera House in Mazatlan on Friday and Saturday of this week.  The theater was built in 1874 and is one of Mazatlan's most famous landmarks.  This website has a cool video tour of the venue.  Cast: Marie Zamora, Kathy Voytko, Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Terrence Mann.   Break a leg, Eric and company!!!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Hi gang!
I want to personally invite you to my upcoming Cabaret to benefit the new musical "Brindlebeast". I am SO excited about the recent developments of the show, and I know you will be too. I will be debuting three songs along with my lovely co-star; Alexandria Wailes, and sharing songs and stories from my career as well. Its sure to be a fun and intimate evening!
Cheers!
Eric


From Maggi:  Get tickets here!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Cabaret in Hartford, February 23rd!

Tickets are now available for AN EVENING WITH ERIC KUNZE at http://brindlebeastmusical.ticketleap.com

This cabaret is a musical look-back at his extraordinary career--in the 172 seat ballroom of the gracious Town & County Club in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, February 23, 2013, to benefit the ongoing development of Brindlebeast. As part of that evening, Eric and his special guest, Alexandria Wailes will debut three original songs from Brindlebeast written by composer Sila Shaman and me.  Each attendee will receive a complimentary CD to take home that very night.

This is bound to be an extraordinary evening and I look forward to seeing you and many of Eric's fans there!

***************************Hi fans,***********************************
If you are planning to be in Hartford for this event and would like to meet with me and other fans for dinner beforehand, please email me at maggiwun@yahoo.com


 


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Preparation for the Hartford Debut of Three New Brindlebeast Songs

In learning the songs from Brindlebeast that Eric will debut in next month's cabaret, "An Evening with Eric Kunze," Eric has his hands full--literally! Read about it here.

 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Eric's 2013 Season

Hi Eric Fans,
I am pleased to announce the season for Eric's performances that we have so far. I hope one or more of these fit into your schedule! I am looking forward to several visits throughout the year. (Too bad it's not Mazatlan, Mexico, lol!) We only have the schedule through July, but there will be more to come.
Have a Happy New Year!
Maggi

Click on the title to be taken to the ticket page:

February 1 - 2, 2013
"Do You Hear the People Sing?"
Angela Peralta Theater, Mazatlan, Mexico
This amazing concert with the local symphony and five talented Broadway performers, including Eric, is a true celebration of the lives and work of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. The concert features their five collaborations with well known songs from Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, as well as favourites from Martin Guerre, and The Pirate Queen.   Cast: Marie Zamora, Kathy Voytko, Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Terrence Mann

February 23, 2013
"An Evening with Eric Kunze", with guest artist Alexandria Wailes
Town and County Club in Hartford, Ct
Eric will be performing his cabaret- a musical look-back at his extraordinary career--in the 172 seat ballroom of the gracious Town & County Club in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, February 23, 2013, to benefit the ongoing development of Brindlebeast. As part of that evening, Eric and his special guest, Alexandria Wailes will debut three original songs from Brindlebeast written by composer Sila Shaman and Anita Riggio. Those songs will be available for download after the cabaret, but each attendee will receive a complimentary CD to take home that very night.

February 28, 2013
"Do You Hear the People Sing?"
Browning Center for the Performing Arts, Ogden, Utah
Cast: Marie Zamora, Sarah Uriarte Berry, Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Terrence Mann

March 1 - 2, 2013
"Do You Hear the People Sing?"
Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City Utah
Cast: Marie Zamora, Sarah Uriarte Berry, Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Terrence Mann

April 11 - May 4, 2013
"Grease"
Riverside Theater, Vero Beach, FL
Eric will play two cameo roles, that of Vince Fontaine – An egotistical, slimy radio disk jockey trying to relive his teenage years. Notable Vinces have included Edd Byrnes (film version). Eric will also do the role of Teen Angel – which includes the ironic comedy song, "Beauty School Dropout". Usual portrayed as a teen idol, featuring a guest star, notable Teen Angels have included Frankie Avalon (film version).

This production will then move to:
May 14-July 14, 2013
"Grease"
Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia, PA

Friday, January 11, 2013

Free CD at An Evening With Eric Kunze in Hartford February 23rd!

This is the cover of the three-song CD that will be a complimentary gift to each ticket holder at the "Evening With Eric Kunze" cabaret event in Hartford, Ct on Feb 23rd, with special guest star, Alexandria Wailes.