Miss Saigon Review

A review of last year's Sacramento Music Circus' "Miss Saigon" states what we Eric fans already know: "Eric Kunze, known to Music Circus audiences for his roles as Che, Jesus and Joseph (and a good-looking hunk who probably will play 30-somethings for three decades) is perfectly cast as the GI Chris. His impressive vocal chops never cease to amaze. The combination of dead-on pitch, powerfully resonant yet sweet tone, and surprisingly nuanced and natural acting confirm why he made it to Broadway so early in his career, and why the Music Circus should hire him every chance they get." http://www.davisenterprise.com/entertainment/dont-miss-this-miss-saigon/ 

Eric will be back at Music Circus again this summer.  Stay tuned for all the details!

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

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