BWW Exclusive: Eric Kunze Gears Up for His New York Pops Debut!

On Monday, May 2, 2016, The New York Pops presents its 33rd birthday gala, celebrating the revolutionary collaborations of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the songwriting team behind LES MISERABLES, Miss Saigon, and more. Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are musical theatre legends Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Patti LuPone.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. The performance will highlight Boublil and Schönberg's tremendous four-decade partnership. Guest artists Jesse Tyler Ferguson,Montego Glover, Robert Marien, Laura Osnes, and Kyle Scatliffe join the previously announcedStephanie J. Block, Jon Jon Briones, Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Patti LuPone, Eva Noblezada, John Owen-Jones, Hugh Panaro, Lea Salonga, and Marie Zamora. The concert will also feature Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA, as well as students from The New York Pops' Kids on Stage music education program and Camp Broadway Kids.

In anticipation of the big event, BroadwayWorld is checking in with some of the performers. Today, check out what Eric Kunze had to say...

Do you have a favorite memory from working with Alain Boublil & Claude Schonberg?

I am thrilled to be working on this collaboration. I worked with Steven Reineke, Alain, and Claude-Michel last year at The Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra. This is my first time to sing with The New York Pops and I couldn't be happier.

Do you have a favorite song or moment from a Boublil & Schonberg show?

Having performed in Miss Saigon in New York for several years, I was always touched when we would perform the evacuation scene - when the fall of Saigon happened during the Vietnam War. It's extremely powerful

Is there a role in a Boublil & Schonberg show that you'd like to play someday?

I would love to play the role of Jean Valjean someday. My first Broadway show was LES MISERABLES as Marius many years ago. I have always loved the music for this piece.

This year's gala will feature music students from The New York Pops' extensive education programs. What single piece of advice would you give to any young, aspiring performers?

Always watch, listen, and observe your peers. Try to gain as much theatrical experience and training as you can. I am very thankful for my community theatre that I was involved with in my youth.

What projects are coming up for you in future that you can share

I have been working on a new musical called Brindlebeast, a bold new musical in voice and American Sign Language. It has recently been workshopped in NYC.

Advance benefit tickets to the concert-only range from $65 to $160 and can be purchased at www.newyorkpops.org.