How Did Eric Get His Start on Broadway?

Hi fans,  here is a fascinating interview from the 1992 LA Times with Eric when he got his first big break on Broadway.

Happy Anniversary Miss Saigon!

Today, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Miss Saigon. Eric appeared as Chris on Broadway (1992), in the 1st National Tour (1994), and since has reprised his role in various regional productions. I have seen him perform this heartwrenching role with at least three different companies and his portrayal is thrilling. 



(Muny, St. Louis, 2010 with Ma Ann Dionisio)

Eric and Melinda Chua at the Walnut Street Gala, in 2011.

http://youtu.be/eCxm_x1RXpg
Eric and Ma Anne Dionisio, Muny, St. Louis 2010

http://youtu.be/CunTBFrFHx8
Eric, Ma Anne Dionisio, Kathy Voytko, Muny, St. Louis 2010

SOUTH PACIFIC at California Musical Theater

SOUTH PACIFIC

California Musical Theater

2014

Maggi's review of South Pacific:
I read "Tales of the South Pacific" by James Mitchener, upon which the musical is based, previous to my trip which gave me a great foundation for what I was about to see. Published in 1946, each of the nineteen chapters deals with a different situation or character, many of which were incorporated into the musical. They're all there: from Nelly Forbush, Emile De Beque, Lt. Cable, Bloody Mary, Luther Billis, all fleshed out in such a way to make me understand them, their backgrounds and their motivations, all of which would be impossible to pack into a 2-1/2 hour show.

Oscar Hammerstein and Joshua Logan did a phenomenal job writing the script, gleaning the most important aspects of the book to tie them into a cohesive story. From what I've read, composing the music came easy to Richard Rodgers, who apparently wrote Bali Ha'i in ten minutes over coffee. Director Glenn Casale did a brilliant job on the difficult task of staging in the round. Aisles were used for scene changes while scenery was dropped from the ceiling to keep the action flowing seamlessly. But his best work was in the casting: he couldn't have chosen a better team to play each of the leads, and that includes Eric Kunze. Beth Malone is totally convincing as a Southern gal who wants to see the world, but is hampered by her "carefully taught" prejudices. It's easy to understand her infatuation with Emile (John Cudia). I, too, became infatuated with him when he opened his mouth to sing "Some Enchanted Evening", which echoed off the rafters. Ezio Pinza, the original Emile on Broadway, couldn't have done it better. Likable Jeff Skowron got most of the laughs as Luther, followed by Armelia McQueen (Bloody Mary), who got a laugh everytime she said "You like????"

Which brings us to Eric Kunze as Lt. Cable. Totally believable as a Princeton grad turned career officer, with a society girlfriend back home, my heart broke as he became besotted with the lovely Liat, under the spell of Bali Ha'i, that "special island". The book helped me to understand what soldiers far away from home go through, where most of their days are spent waiting for action, hot, many times ill, trying to find ways to alleviate the crushing boredom. It's no wonder infatuations occur. When reality hits and Bloody Mary insists he marry Liat, Cable is faced with his own prejudices. Coming back from the theater I had the sensation that I had been transported to a completely different world, visions of Bali Ha'i floating in my dreams. This show could be packed up and brought to the Broadway stage without one change. Congratulations to California Musical Theater, Glenn Casale and the entire cast for a great theatrical experience!

Broadway World Review of LITTLE MERMAID

Eric never fails to impress! Here is another stellar review.

"Eric Kunze plays Prince Eric, and with his pitch-perfect voice and easy stage presence he is easy to like and root for. One of the best musical moments of the show is Kunze singing "Her Voice". His portrayal is a nice balance between lovelorn man and upper class royal."

Read more HERE.

Houston Press Review of THE LITTLE MERMAID

"This is a production for the ages - all the ages. It has a sumptuous design, thrilling special effects, a sterling cast, wit and buoyance, a fascinating plot, music to savor and choreography to delight. It is a must-see triumph."

"Eric Kunze plays Prince Eric, and provides the requisite youthful good looks... he nails his solo song "Her Voice", and makes us believe in his love for Ariel, who has saved him from drowning after being tossed overboard in a storm."

Read more HERE.

Also from the Houston Press an article with an interview with Eric HERE.

Little Mermaid Review and Photos

Dallas Summer Musicals presentation of The Little Mermaid is receiving rave reviews and comments. The sets, costumes and singing are stellar, thanks to Glenn Casale, director, and the amazing cast and crew.

"Eric Kunze as Eric – I only need five words to describe his performance and vocals, Perfect Broadway Leading Man…PERIOD!"
http://kvil.cbslocal.com/2014/02/27/korys-review-disneys-the-little-mermaid-dallas-summer-musicals/#.Uw-CCAqqXPo.twitter

A review from John Garcia's "The Column":

"Kunze actually looks quite like the film version of the prince. Kunze has a resplendent tenor voice that would have schools of mermaids swimming toward him! The belt is full and rich, while the vibrato is smooth as silk. He gets to sing two new songs that were composed for the stage version, “Her Voice” and “One Step Closer.” Kunze wraps his golden voice around both songs like sparkling gift-wrapped presents to give to the audience. He delivers a magical, fascinating performance...

...Kunze and Stock have sincere, beautiful onstage chemistry. They play off each other like a real couple in love. It does not come off mawkish or false, but quite romantic and even funny at times, as they try to gain common ground on their emotions. They both will steal your hearts."
Read more at: http://thecolumnawards.org/columnonline/review/02-20-2014_DISNEYS-THE-LITTLE-MERMAID/
 

Copyright Photo by Chris Waits. All rights reserved.