You can't blame Eric Kunze for feeling a little God-like these days,

Fresh from playing the title character in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar," the Los Angeles actor will now star as a Christ-like figure in the British composer's latest musical "Whistle Down the Wind," on its first stop in Boston at the Citi Performing Arts Center.

"It's a great experience, just starting from scratch, not having to fill anybody's shoes," said Kunze, who plays The Man in the show.

"But no Christ complex, not yet," he joked.

Based on the film of the same title, "Whistle Down The Wind" comes to the Hub from a recording-breaking West End engagement and United Kingdom sell-out tour.

The musical focuses on a young Louisiana girl who finds a mysterious stranger hiding in her barn. When she asks his identity, the first words he utters are "Jesus Christ" and it's as if all her prayers have been answered.

"There is no chandelier, no staircase," said Kunze, referring to the integral elements of Webber's other famous musicals, "Phantom of the Opera" and "Sunset Boulevard." "It's a very simple story, told simply."

However, Kunze said, it's also a very emotional story that contrasts the purity and innocence of children and the tragedy of a wasted life.

"The men are the ones who are crying at the end more than the women," he said. "It pulls on a lot of the heart strings. It's a good recipe for some tissue."

"Whistle Down The Wind" partners renowned rock lyricist Jim Steinman (Meatloaf's classic album "Bat Out of Hell," Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of The Heart") and the award-winning composer Webber ("Cats," "Evita") to create the score, which combines elements of blues, gospel, country and rock 'n' roll.

"Lyrically, it's so vivid - I just love it," Kunze said. "I get to wrap my chords around some great songs."

While people may not know this show yet, Kunzes hope they won't stay away due to lack of name recognition.

"Don't be afraid of trying new things and giving it a shot," he said.



IF YOU GO

* What: "Whistle Down the Wind"

* When: Through Sunday

* Where: Citi Performing Arts Center, 270 Tremont St., Boston.

* How: Tickets are $25. Available at Citi Performing Arts Center box office, online at www.citicenter.org, or by calling 800-447-7400. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more by calling 617-532-1116.