Carnegie Hall, May 2, 2016

Broadway's Best Celebrate "Les Mis" and "Miss Saigon" Composers

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars took the stage at New York’s Carnegie HallMonday night to honor Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the songwriting legends behind the smash musicals “Les Misérables” and “Miss Saigon.”

Patti LuPone, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jeremy Jordan and Norm Lewis were just a few of the bold-faced names on hand for “Do You Hear The People Sing,” a musical tribute to Boublil and Schönberg which also marked the 33rd birthday of the New York Pops orchestra.

Material from the French songwriting team’s lesser-known shows, “Martin Guerre” and “The Pirate Queen,” blended into the set seamlessly. Fans also had the chance to witness some rare, possibly even once-in-a-lifetime duos, like original “Miss Saigon” star Lea Salonga singing with Eva Noblezada, who will star in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of the musical next year.

Later in the show, Salonga and LuPone were both on hand to sing the “Les Mis” ballad, “I Dreamed a Dream,” with Stephanie J. Block. Hearing the three voices blend seamlessly, one couldn’t help but wish the three stars would team up for a Fantine girl group.

That number was followed by an impeccable rendition of “Bring Him Home,” sung by four actors – Eric Kunze, Robert Marien, John Owen-Jones and Hugh Panaro – who have all played Jean Valijean over the years.

Read more here.

Eric Kunze, New York Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, Robert Marien

Eric Kunze, Les Miserables lyricist Alain Boublil

Lea Salonga, Eric Kunze

1993 Les Miserables with Eric Kunze (Marius),  Lea Salonga (Eponine), Rachel York (Fantine)

"Bring Him Home" with John Owen-Jones, Eric Kunze, Robert Marien and Hugh Panaro

"Bring Him Home" with four Valjeans: John Owen-Jones, Eric Kunze, Robert Marien & Hugh Panaro. #NYPopsGala #LesMiz pic.twitter.com/KWH0o5mpXf

— Niña (@nkny) May 3, 2016

Part of Your World

Eric will be performing in Part of Your World, a Gala Fundraiser for McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts on Saturday, April 23rd in Anaheim, CA.  Tickets are available here.

Little Mermaid Reviews

Hi Fans, As "The Little Mermaid" continues in Dallas and then goes on to Ft. Worth, glowing reviews are pouring in. Here are just a few:

 "The role of Prince Eric is expertly performed by Eric Kunze, who even looks like the charming Disney prince, with his costume and hairstyling. His ethereal voice resonates so sweetly, it’s no wonder Ariel falls for him! Kunze first captures the prince’s vitality as he expounds on the glories of a life at sea, chasing the voice on the wind. Then, he brings a gentle warmth to his scenes with Ariel, as he teaches her how to communicate through dance. "
Read more here:

 Dallas Morning News
"Alison Woods’ radiant Ariel and Eric Kunze’s magnetic Prince Eric headline a superlative cast that sings, dances and “swims” the delectably hummable score from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, as fins flap silently against a rippling ocean backdrop."
Read more here:

California Musical Theatre Annual Gala 2016

Breaking news!

Eric will be a soloist in this year's annual event benefiting California Musical Theatre. Tickets for individuals are $300 which includes hosted bar reception, dinner, entertainment, live auction and dancing at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on May 7th. If you wish to organize a group, tables are for 10. This will be sold out, so do not delay if you wish to attend.

Order tickets at their website or call (916) 446-5880 x 108

Information is also listed on their Facebook page

Sacramento Reviews of The Little Mermaid 2016

Glowing reviews are pouring in for Eric, the cast and Glenn Casale's production of The Little Mermaid, currently playing to sold out houses at the Community Center Theater in Sacramento.  Lines made up of fans and little girls in mermaid costumes are congregating at the stage door after the performances eager to meet Prince Eric and Ariel.

KMIX, CBSLocal.com, Kory's Review

"Prince Eric for example was a relatively minor character in the film basically just a handsome prince, the all too familiar Disney formula, now he has more depth and is actually relatable. Plus, the actor who plays Eric, ironically named Eric Kunze, is about as strong a Broadway leading man as you’ll find anywhere." Read more here.

Sacramento Goes Under the Sea:  BroadwayWorld
"Eric Kunze is a passionate and motivated Eric with a princely voice, a lovely match to Alison Woods' enthusiastic and youthful Ariel". Read more here.

Spectacular Technical Effects Dazzle in The Little Mermaid, The Davis Enterprise 
"Allison Woods is a beautiful Ariel, with a winsome personality and a lovely voice, while her Prince (Eric Kunze) is all macho 'n' stuff, with a great set of pipes." Read more.here.

Watch a live interview on Sacramento Fox 40 news with Eric and Allison here.

Do You Hear the People Sing - Oklahoma City - January 29-30

Eric Kunze, Kathy Voytko, Marie Zamora, Jennifer Paz, Ben Crawford with Alain Boublil

From the "Oklahoman" February 2, 2016:  Eric Kunze possesses a ringing tenor that was ideal for the powerful and stirring “I'm Martin Guerre,” and together with Paz, conveyed a passionate rendering of “Last Night of the World” from “Miss Saigon.”  Read More

OKC Civic Center Music HallThelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre

Presented by OKC Philharmonic Pops Series
January 29-30, 2016 

Over twenty-five years ago, the Les Miserables and Miss Saigon creative team changed the course of musical history. Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg's multifaceted concert work comes together in one unforgettable evening. Experience I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home, American Dream and more in a concert that will stir your soul.

100 Years of Frank

This weekend Eric will be joining Gina Feliccia in Jackson Hole, Wyoming singing in this tribute to Frank Sinatra. The show commemorates the years of the Rat Pack starring Tony O, Frank's longtime friend and road manager. There are just a few tickets left! Eric and Gina head up Big City Broadway, a team of amazing talent available for teaching and performance. Get tickets on their website.


A photo of Eric and Gina Feliccia from approx 2010, when they performed "My Way", their last tribute to Frank Sinatra. 

The Little Mermaid Tour

Eric's tour with The Little Mermaid will continue in 2016.  Below is a list of cities where it will be playing and links to tickets.

Sacramento - California Musical Theater: 2/2/16-2/7/16
http://www.californiamusicaltheatre.com/events/mermaid/

Dallas - Music Hall at Fair Park:  3/15/2016 - 3/27/2016
(Individual tickets not yet available)
http://dallassummermusicals.org/seasontickets.shtm

Fort Worth -  Bass Hall:  3/29/2016 - 4/3/2016
(Individual tickets not yet available)
http://www.basshall.com/eventsnew.jsp?selDate=3/29/2016

La Mirada, CA - La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts
5/27/2016 - 6/26/2016
http://www.lamiradatheatre.com/littlemermaid.htm

Reviews:
BroadwayWorld Austin:  "The cast is fine as well, particularly Alison Woods, who is charming as Ariel and the dashing Eric Kunze as Prince Eric. Ms. Woods has the famous, signature "Part of Your World" to sing, and she delivers it beautifully. Mr. Kunze possesses a golden voice that expresses deep emotion and his rendition of "Her Voice" was a highlight of the evening. Their performances are, as it should be, the ones you will walk away remembering."


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..."

Austin's Little Mermaid Review

BroadwayWorld review of Austin's Little Mermaid:
"The cast is fine as well, particularly Alison Woods, who is charming as Ariel and the dashing Eric Kunze as Prince Eric. Ms. Woods has the famous, signature "Part of Your World" to sing, and she delivers it beautifully. Mr. Kunze possesses a golden voice that expresses deep emotion and his rendition of "Her Voice" was a highlight of the evening. Their performances are, as it should be, the ones you will walk away remembering." (Read more)

Little Mermaid Tour Continues

                               Bass Hall, Austin, Texas - 9/29 - 10/4

From Houston, New Orleans, San Antonio and now Austin The Little Mermaid is playing to near capacity in every city.  I love reading comments left by fans after the shows and will share a few of them with you:

~Last night the stage came to life with such a beautiful array of talent and rhythm as though this world 'Under the Sea' has always been, yet with the vibrance and passion of a story unfolding for the very first time! Very much in credit to the charisma of Prince Eric. However, perhaps the most shining review comes from a two year old who's imagination was captivated through the entire evening! Thank you for an amazing night enjoyed with three generations of Little Mermaid enthusiast - my goddaughter, my best friend and her mother!  All the very best...Valerie

~Saw it in NO last night! Spectacular production!!...Kay

~Eric is the perfect Prince!...Michelle

~Just saw tonight's performance at Bass Hall. Mr. Kunze was impeccable in every single song and scene.   I'm so grateful to be able to see him as Prince Eric...Eri

Little Mermaid in New Orleans

The tour of The Little Mermaid continued last week at the 2,700 seat Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.  The theater had been dormant since hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.  When the $52 million dollar restoration and tear-down began, the 1927 blueprints were found in an obscure closet and the theater has now been restored to its original glory.

The show has been selling out to near capacity in every city long before the show dates.  When we attended, the theater was filled with parents and their children, mainly little girls, quivering with excitement to see one of their favorite Disney heroines.  By the end of the show, many of them had decided they wanted to marry Prince Eric. (Perhaps some of the big girls did too...)

BroadwayWorld.com Review of Houston's "Little Mermaid"

"Alison Woods does a wonderful job as the lead in the show, and her singing and acting are up to par with memories of the original cartoon Ariel. She is matched in tone by Prince Eric played by Eric Kunze who has a fine voice and sense of comedy that serves him well."

Yes, this is a show that both kids and ADULTS can enjoy.  The costumes, sets, special effects and even the pathos of the story between Ariel and her father, King Triton, are enthralling.  I, (Maggi) have seen it over a dozen times in various venues and never tire of it.  I'll be in New Orleans soon for the run Sept. 16-20.  If anyone will be there for those shows and want to have a meet and greet with Eric, let me know at maggiwun@yahoo.com.