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