Walnut Street "Miss Saigon" opens this week! Fanclub dinner Friday, May27th

Our next chance to see Eric in action! Come to Philly and see this fabulous production.   We are holding fanclub dinners on Friday, May 27th and Friday, July 15th. Let me know if you want to join in the fun: maggiwun@yahoo

Eric answers questions about Miss Saigon

Dear Fans,
Eric was asked to participate in a high school project in the Philly area where Broadway actors are asked questions by the students about their careers and the business in general.  They asked Eric, who is starring in Miss Saigon at the Walnut Theater and because they will be attending. This is Eric's response to the questions asked:

I'm glad to be able to participate and hopefully help out with this project!
I first played the part of Chris in Miss Saigon with the Broadway company, and have since played the role in MANY productions across the country. I have never actually counted how many performances... I think that would be very daunting...however, being that the material is SO well written, the challenge of playing the role so many times NEVER gets old or boring in the least. It is both a challenge and a pleasure to sing this music night after night, providing respect for the piece and also the veterans and victims of the Vietnam War.

In my opinion, that point is one that Bruce focuses on with great intensity with his direction. He searches for the truth and drives it home through his directing- letting the audience experience and react to it their own way. I am always learning new things about both myself and this piece when I work with him.

I think its important for the students to realize that the climate of the world today is not too far from when this story takes place. It is still very relevant and holds its own to many generations that will see it.

I hope you and the students enjoy it!
Take care.
Eric

"My Collection" in The Sondheim Review

More exciting Eric news today: Eric's CD, "My Collection" was given a very good review in the summer edition of "The Sondheim Review" by writer Andy Propst. The publication is available at bookstores and newsstands in NY or you can order it via this link. 

‎"Kunze's graceful tenor voice seems custom built for the big anthems of the British poperas, and a host of them are included on this disc that's a retrospective of his career, including a particularly satisfying "Gethsemane" (Jesus Christ Superstar), a robust "Why God Why?" (Miss Saigon) and an exceptionally well considered "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" (Les Miserables). There are a couple of nice surprises in the mix, too, such as Stephen Schwartz's haunting ballad "Fathers and Sons" from Working. Sondheim fans will want to make note of Kunze's perfectly phrased and terrifically intense "Finishing the Hat" from Sunday in the Park with George, which finds, interestingly, a slightly pop side to the pointillist underpinnings of the song." written by Andy Propst, "Singing Sondheim", Sondheim Review, 2011

Eric Kunze to star in "Miss Saigon" at Sacramento Music Circus

Good news for all you west coasters!  After his stint at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, Eric will be "Chris" in "Miss Saigon" at the Music Circus in Sacramento from August 23-28th.  Single tickets go on sale May 16th here.

Walnut Street Gala, Friday, May 13th

For those of you in the Philadelphia area, prior to his May17-July17th engagement in "Miss Saigon" with the Walnut Street Theater,  Eric Kunze will be part of a group of artists performing at their gala concert on Friday, May 13th.  This year's theme is Love Changes Everything, and it will take place at 7:00pm

Performers include (subject to change): Josie Andrews, Taylor Bright, Melinda Chua, Jeffrey Coon, Ben Dibble Joilet Harris, Eric Kunze, Ben Lipitz, Brandon O'Rourke, Katie O'Shaughnessey, Peter Schmitz and Denise Whelan.

Tickets are available for purchase now! $35 for Orchestra and Mezzanine Seating, $75 for premium seats plus a complimentary pre-show cocktail

$250 for Gala Tickets: VIP seating, complimentary pre-show cocktail, and access to the exclusive VIP Party which follows the concert – the stars will be in attendance!

To purchase tickets to the Gala, call the theatre at 215-574-3550 or visit our website. Proceeds go towards the Education and Outreach department, which helps support over 100,000 kids a year.
http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/

Eric Kunze: My Collection is available for digital download on Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby!

We are happy to report that you are now able to order Eric Kunze's music online.  Here is  Eric's Page on Amazon the download is also available on iTunes here and on CD Baby here.  You can order the actual CD either here from this website, or from CD Baby.  Amazon has the CD available for mailing as well but you will receive it sooner if you order it here from this website.  We promise to do next day shipping when at all possible.

Eric will soon be appearing from May 17th to July 17th at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia as Chris in "Miss Saigon".  Tickets here.

Thank you all for your overwhelming response and support!

"15 Alluring Albums" - TheaterMania Reviews "Eric Kunze: My Collection"

Eric's CD got a great review from TheaterMania.

By Andy Propst:
Kunze's graceful tenor voice seems custom built for the big anthems of the British poperas, and a host of them are included on this disc that's a retrospective of his career, including a particularly satisfying "Gethsemane" from Jesus Christ Superstar and a terrifically considered "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from Les Miz. There are a couple of nice surprises in the mix, too, such as Stephen Schwartz's haunting ballad "Fathers and Sons" from Working.

Here is a link to the entire article.

A Milestone is Reached for our Fansite

Play Ball! Eric and Melinda Chua to sing National Anthem at the Phillies game Sunday, May 1st

BIG NEWS, SPORTS FANS!

Eric Kunze and Melinda Chua will sing the National Anthem
while in Philly at Walnut Street Theater's production of Miss Saigon
Picture them standing on the field below at Citizens Bank Park which holds at least 44,000 people:










SUNDAY: 8:00 p.m. May 1
(From Maggi: I don't know what time the pregame starts, so I would tune in earlier.)
...
Phillies vs Mets

Broadcast: ESPN, WPHT 1210,

TV: ESPN Baseball Tonight: Broadcasting live from Third Base Gate during their main show
from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.throughout the game and postgame.

If you are in the Philly area and want to attend the game click here.

Miss Saigon Update

Rehearsals have begun for Miss Saigon at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia.  Won't be long now!  The first performance is May 17th!  For tickets:  www.walnutstreettheater.org
Our first fanclub dinner will be held Friday, May 27th at 5:00pm near the theater.  Let Maggi know if you would like to attend at maggiwun@yahoo.com

Maggi's Review of Broadway's Best

Eric Kunze and Gina DeLuca have collaborated musically since their high school days. They starred in musicals, among them West Side Story, in which their performances were so good the mayor of the city declared he didn't believe they were only high school students. They both separately went on to successful Broadway careers. They are still performing, but their love of the art inspires them to pass on their knowledge to children and teens aspiring to Broadway careers.

Broadway's Best is a show they created to give these youngsters a chance to work with them and gain needed stage experience. The Lake Havasu production included young people from the area (Telesis Preparatory Academy specifically) and was custom tailored to their talents. The two tiniest members, Cole Baillargeon (singing Gavroche) and Claire Killian (little Cosette) stole the hearts of the audience. I could imagine both of them moving on to successful musical careers one day. Corey Janecek, who recently starred as Lancelot in Grace Arts' “Camelot” had us in stitches with his slyly timed “Cést Moi”. Magin Hall and Tara Crawford, two of the older teens, were professional in their renditions of “I Know Things Now” (Into the Woods) and “Simple Joys of Maidenhood” (Camelot). The musicians, led by Suzy Bohling added to the quality of the production.

Their numbers were interlaced with Eric and Gina singing solo and together some of the most showstopping numbers in their repertoire. We were transported from 1800's France in Les Mis, to the opera house in Phantom, to biblical times in Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar. Costumes or sets were not needed to set the mood. Their vocal and acting abilities sufficed. The show was a testament to Eric's organizational, directorial and teaching abilities. These were very lucky children and they clearly adored Eric and Gina, as evidenced by the pair being mobbed after the show for autographs. Grace Ann Etcheberria-Jacobs (who was Eric and Gina's first theater teacher in San Diego) hosted the show at Grace Arts Live. It is evident she loves what she does and has a heart to pass on her love of theater to her students. I am so glad she passed it on to our Eric xxx-years ago!

Photos of the show: (I was given express permission to photograph the show just for Eric's fans from my front row seat, using no flash).

(You are able to view these in full screen mode in Picasa by clicking on the icon in the lower right hand corner.)