NEWS

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING:

4/3/24

What a difference a few months make! I remember someone in the business saying to me, “If you keep going, you’ll eventually succeed.” Well, I’ve been “going” and after a period of doubt where I was truly ready to quit (and who of us hasn’t threatened that?), I found myself thrust back into this wacky, inconsistent, yet highly rewarding career of being an opera singer.

I’m currently in one of my favorite cities, working with one of my favorite companies on what has not always been one of my favorite shows. I’m in the midst of rehearsals for a reimagined take on Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” called “The Temple: A Magic Flute Experience.” With an all-new libretto by the brilliant Que Jones and the wonderfully explorative stage direction of Allegra Libonati, Opera Columbus has taken this “chestnut” and breathed new life into it. I’m thrilled to reunite with some fantastic singers I’ve worked with before and to get to meet some new ones. Everyone sounds great and the new, secret venue, the fantastic adaptation, and the beauty of Mozart have really sparked my love and creative energy!

The phenomenal thing about this production is that we opera singers get to delve into the music, the text, and the character all while “figuring out” this new version of the story of The Magic Flute. It’s only been a few days, but I’m having a ball with the wonderful, and almost magical world we are creating.

Knowing that The Magic Flute was composed for “the masses” and was meant to be a show where the audience could laugh, sing-along, have a drink, or simple listen and enjoy, it makes me think Mozart would dig our crazy, funny, but richly textured new version.

I can’t wait to share it with Columbus audiences in a few short weeks!

PRESS

In Concert at the Festival Casals de Puerto Rico

En la segunda aria-canción, “A Woman Is A Sometime Thing” se destacó el barítono afroamericano Eric McKeever, con su grácil presencia escénica y dominio del fraseo en el estilo del blues y el jazz auténtico… Los números subsiguientes… fueron seguidas por una interpretación magistral del cantante-actor Eric McKeever del conocido hit “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin.”

(In the second aria-song, “A Woman Is A Sometime Thing” African-American baritone Eric McKeever stood out, with his graceful stage presence and mastery of phrasing in the style of blues and authentic jazz… The subsequent numbers… were followed by a masterful interpretation of the singer-actor Eric McKeever of the well-known hit “I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'.)

Elnuevodia.com/June 2023/Luis Enrique Julia

Michele in On Site Opera’s “Il tabarro”

All the principals were excellent. McKeever had a sense of dignity in his singing that made Michele sympathetic. Michele’s “Nulla! Silenzio!”, so direct as to make more than just lovely singing of vocal phrases, but the kind of monologue that hits directly in the mind and heart.

New York Classical Review/May 2023/George Grella

“The third member of the love triangle, Giorgetta’s husband Michele, performed by Eric McKeever, showcased the baritone’s ability to project through music the essence of human passion and intense emotions that drove the opera’s tragic events. McKeever’s magnificent voice resonated with melancholy and resignation, capturing the weight of Michele’s past and acceptance of life’s sometimes harsh realities. In “Nulla! Silenzio!” McKeever trembled with grief and rage as he poured out Michele’s heart-wrenching emotions.

TheFrontRowCenter.com/May 2023/Ed Kliszus

Baritone Eric McKeever’s booming voice is utterly convincing as he glowers and rages like an angry sea god.

Blogcritics.org/May 2023/Jon Sobel

This is one opera with no villains, but Eric McKeever as the betrayed husband had music which could fit Scarpia–and his torment from first scene of doubt to final denouement was played with a dark threatening baritone.

ConcertoNet.com/May 2023/Harry Rolnick

Baritone Eric McKeever was outstanding as the captain of the barge, projecting a sense of kindliness both toward the stevedores in his employ and toward his wife, with whom he once shared tender loving moments. He succeeded in arousing our sympathy.

Voce di Meche/May 2023/Meche Kroop

Charlie in HERE Arts Center’s “Looking at You”

As Rix employee, Charlie, Eric McKeever offered a muscular baritone and showed off superb patter chops.

New York Classical Review/September 2019/Eric C. Simpson

Eric McKeever is a baritone with a beautiful sound… he is definitely a singing actor worth hearing again.”

BassoBuff.com/September 2019/Christine Chass

David in Baltimore Concert Opera’s “L’amico Fritz”

Let’s talk about David, the local rabbi, who is sung by baritone Eric McKeever. McKeever is just magnificent in this role, adapting himself to the comedic challenges while bursting with the energy of a man with a plan. His is a stand-out performance among performers who are all top-notch. His rich baritone doesn’t have that sort of sharp quality you sometimes find in the lower registers.

DC Metro Theatre Arts/November 2018/Darby DeJarnette

Germont in Pacific Opera Project’s “La Traviata”

When Eric McKeever joined his colleagues in Act II, patrons moved to the front of their seats. His strong, steel-girded voice was most impressive but never acidic. His patronizing behavior toward Violetta moderated as soon as he realized that she was a woman of more substance than he expected. Later, in the final act, his attitude changed completely when he comprehended that she would never live to change anything. I'm sure we will hear a great deal more from McKeever.

Broadway World/October 2018/Maria Nockin

Sharpless in Opera Columbus’ Madama Butterfly

Also, impressive… baritone Eric McKeever, commanding as the consul Sharpless.

The Columbus Dispatch/October 2018/Peter Tonguette

The Speaker in Florentine Opera’s “The Magic Flute”

Baritone Eric McKeever gave a strong supporting performance.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/May 2018/Elaine Schmidt

Malatesta in Anchorage Opera’s “Don Pasquale”

The scheming Doctor Malatesta is played with barely-suppressed laughter by baritone Eric McKeever, whose portrayal is quick and witty, oozing charm in every scene. Both men's deep, strong voices are a joy to listen to.

Anchorage Press/November 2017/Rob LeFebvre

Baritone roles in Experiments in Opera’s “Flash Operas”

In “Mandela Was Late”, Eric McKeever channeled a powerful and compelling gravitas in the face of inane inhumane racism and petty bureaucracy.

Theatretimes.com/May 2017/Amanda Boekelheide

McKeever was a stately and refined Mandela with a rich warmth and lyricism in his voice.

Icareifyoulisten.com/June 2017/Lauren Alfano