“David [zum Brunnen] – absolutely becomes my great grandfather on stage!”
-Cedric Charles Dickens
Great Grandson of author, Charles Dickens
First of all, Bravo! for a terrific performance last Wednesday evening. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and was thinking how much it related to the Veterans History Project. I regret I got away that evening without thanking you for what you are doing…. keeping the memories of our WWII generation so alive through your performances.
Bob Patrick, Director
Veterans History Project
American Folklife Center
Library of Congress
Speaking of “War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II”, we are still getting comments about what a great event that was. The Veterans really appreciated being honored and enjoyed the program completely. The comments many of them made to the performers during our “Meet the Artists” reception were quite poignant and moving as they shared some of their own memories of that time in our history. In spite of the rain and threatening weather that evening, we had a great audience and they were treated to a truly professional performance by some wonderful entertainers.
The Ritz Review – monthly newsletter, October 2007
The Arts Council of Mississippi County
Blytheville, AR
Alkahest, You were right about WAR BONDS being a unique and audience-pleasing show. We had a good crowd and more people in walkers and wheel chairs than for any show I can remember. David, Serena and Julie were such nice people with whom to work. The performance was very well received. Thank you for helping arrange (and encouraging us to present) this quality production!
Wabash Valley Arts Council
Mt. Carmel, IL
November, 2007
“War Bonds was one of the best shows, if not THE best. It brought back many good memories.” – Lester Caufman, 405th Infantry, 102 Division. Alabama.
“War Bonds was excellent. Best I have ever seen at The Library Theatre – and I’ve been coming here for years!” – Nancy Sumpter, Alabama.
“Enjoyed War Bonds so much. The cast, music, singers were great and broght back old memories.” – Joanne Lewis, Alabama
“War Bonds was fast moving – uplifting and very enjoyable.” -E. Laynson, Alabama
“War Bonds was a great trip into our past. Even though it was wartime, it showed how we persevered and came into the future.” – Anon. Alabama.
Thanks again. You guys were great! Have you ever thought of being ambassodors to the trade??
-Leslie Hamlin
Davie County Arts Council, NC
“It was a very well received show and one I am sure we will consider again.”
Russell J. Wicker
Director – Performing Arts Center
Isothermal Community College
“The cast & musical team of ‘War Bonds’ were great to work with. They were very prepared and professional, and made the day very easy.
The musical/historical presentation was a wonderful way to educate the audience on the era of World War II. We had several generations of families in the crowd for the performance – it was interesting to watch grandparents explaining the details to their grandkids. Beautiful voices and talented musicians made for a stunning performance. The cast was great about meeting our guests in the lobby following the show. They graciously had photos taken and talked until the last person left well after the show.”
Shirley Stary
Vice President for Programming
Lakeside Association, Ohio
It was a pleasure for the Hawkinsville/Pulaski County Arts Council, Inc. to have David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt of EbzB Productions to grace our stage for this great performance Was Bonds: ” The Songs & Letters of WW II”… what a journey of days gone by and the nostalgic tunes of the times. I highly recommend this musical production for the entire family. Top notch entertainment and delightful to work with. Thank you for a great experience.
-Julie Stewart
Production Coordinator
Old Opera House, Hawkinsville, GA
Just wanted you to know I have heard nothing but accolades for the performance in Hawkinsville Opera House, Sat. May 19. It was a fantastic show and well received by everyone!! Thanks so much for coming here. It was a pleasure to work with all of you.
-Nellie Coley
Old Opera House, Hawkinsville, GA
I have nothing but great things to mention. In five + years as a cultural arts rep at an elementary school, I can say I have dealt with a lot of people. Your business professionalism is unmatched. Truly I appreciate all of your well written contracts as well as somehow taking responsibility for my blunders! Thank You! Your show was extremely well done. War Bonds was entertaining and educational. In both shows you had the rapt attention of at least 100 8th graders, who were a little jaded since it was nearly the last week of school. Your show kept their undivided attention. They laughed. They sang along. Theywere frequently silent during solemn moments. Their questions following the program told me that you had sparked an interest. Thank you for your professional business skills, your fine acting and singingskills, and also for a wonderful show. I am still thinking about your characters and stories a few weeks later.
-Terry Smith
Cultural Representative
Davis Drive Elementary School
“Our audience’s response following WAR BONDS: The Songs and Letters on W. W. II included: AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, FABULOUS, INCREDIBLE, MARVELOUS & WONDERFUL. We will definitely have this unbelievable, talented troupe back very soon.”
Paul Lormand, Director,
Fine and Performing Arts Center
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Mr. zum Brunnen,
Almost said Mr. Dickens. Saw you last night at Mid Continent Public Library in Independence. Awesome! Thank you so much, your performance made me want to rush out and read some of Dickens’ novels. My 7 year old daughter and I were enthralled. Hope to see you again in the future. Thank you.
Have a very happy Holiday!
Harold Edwards Jr., Independence, MO
“I want to thank you again for the wonderful performance for War Bonds. We received nothing but positive responses from our audience members who were touched by the respect and reverence given to the period. They especially enjoyed you reading the letters written by local servicemen. Thank you and we at Kaskaskia College look forward to working with EbzB on future productions!”
Travis Henson
Director of Marketing
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, Illinois
“My wife and I really enjoyed your show at the Warren Performing Arts here in Indianapolis. I was a POW in Germany in World War 11 and you folks really brought back some memories. Thanks again for a great show!”
Roland Hiles, Audience Member
Indianapolis, IN
“My wife, Erica, and I attended your WONDERFUL production of War Bonds at the Dublin Senior Center. As an oldie WW 2 vet the songs really brought back a lot of memoris. Its amazing how -OUR- dear God guided your memory processing to sing and vocalize so many many songs without pages upon pages of music at your finger tips. Again <> and AGAIN <> thanks for a truly lovely inspiring musical.”
Ed Haney
Dublin, Ohio
“My father was killed in action during WWII; along with my good friend’s dad…as a matter of fact he died on 11/18/1944…the same date as one of the letters you read…that really hit home… The reason why I wrote…outstanding performances…it touched the heart of all the silver and white haired audience members…me included.”
-Walt Linne, Audience Member
Indianapolis, Indiana
I just saw War Bonds on UNC TV. It was wonderful. You were superb. I am being honest, it is my favorite TV special of my whole life- and I am pretty old!!!!!! Thank you so much for this fabulous production. It must have been a huge amount of work, but I want to say it needs to be shown many more times, so many more North Carolinians can see it. Your hard work will be appreciated over and over. I look forward to you two doing many more similar performances. In fact, I hope you are already working on a new script!!! I will be watching for it.
Mary Bastin
Chatham County Line
Director of Marketing
What a Magnificent Occasion Tues. Nite. You two are Exceptional – A Joy to behold. Serena ,Your impersonation of Marlene Dietrich was so real- like she was there, also Rosie the Riveter, same for the stories/letters- done to perfection.
Marilyn & Hal Shook
WWII Veteran and Audience Member of
War Bonds at Holly Springs Cultural Center
Thank YOU for War Bonds! What a beautiful experience! What a gift it is to trace so much universality in the human experience via correspondence exchanged between loved ones. It was just wonderful, and I can imagine the catharsis and impact it provided for audience members of “the greatest generation” as well.
Molly Matlock
Director
Chatham Arts Council
“Serena, You’re my benchmark for excellence in putting what you’ve got out there. It’s brief, relevant, accessible.”
Anna Ludwig Wilson,
Artistic Director
Mallarme Chamber Players
“I am sorry to take so long to get back to you about a superior performance the Vietnam show was- It was the best thing I had seen in years. you may not be aware but I was a Vietnam era vet- never served there but was on active duty during Vietnam. That performance brought back memories that I had long buried- There are friends I had that went there and never returned. I remember wearing my uniform and being spit at, cursed out , had food thrown at you and called a ‘ baby killer”- Memories I had not dealt with and thought long forgotten until that performance. Please understand it was great and I am glad I saw it but it was and still is a highly emotional thing for me– Thanks for listening and thanks for being as great as you are.”
Bill Moore
Principal, John A. Holmes High School, Edenton, NC
EbzB Conducted Residency Work to help students write and perform “Vietnam Voices”
“On behalf of the Holly Springs Cultural Center staff, I wanted to say thank you for a very successful inaugural theatrical performance. Rachel was very easy to work with and we got through a light focus and cue recording with plenty of time to spare. Your performance was amazing and I know that the audience felt the same. I hope we can work together on future shows as we bring the cultural arts to this community. Have a warm and wonderful holiday season.”
Barry Jaked
Technical Director
Holly Springs Cultural Center
“I’d like to offer my sincerest gratitude to EbzB Productions for not only making this event a success for our Newspapers-In-Education program, but also for bringing history to life for our students! Thank you for your caliber of performance and flexibility.”
Beth Greenwaldt,
Newspapers-In Education Director
Wilson Daily Times
” David, Serena and Rachel, Thank you, Thank you! for your time with us at the ArtsCenter. “Night Before Christmas Carol” definitely goes on the top of my list of shows presented this year! I hope you’ll come back!
Lauren Bromley
Presenter/Programming Coordinator
Carrboro Arts Center, Carrboro, NC
“I’ve told all our friends just how enjoyable “Songs and Letters of World War II” was. I was deeply moved. Those were the days, the good old days. Thank you.”
Dorothy Muller
USO Performer in World War II
St. Raphael’s Catholic Church
“I have heard such wonderful comments about your program. It is one of the best performances I’ve ever seen, in Wilkes or anywhere. We were truly privileged to have you at Benton Hall and the library. I’ve told many people who did not attend about the wonderful show they missed. Elliot Engel’s script for the play is magnificent, and I’m sure he is extremely happy with your performance. Dickens came to life in Wilkes County that day!”
Louise Humphrey
Director
Wilkes County Public Library
Wilkesboro, NC
“Thank you for your spectacular performance at our fourth annual Dickens holiday fundraiser. It was a success on all fronts and our members have expressed their admiration for the production and for your ever-apparent talent. It has been a delight to continue with EbzB Productions, your dedication, professionalism and spirit are truly essential to the success of this fundraiser and we look forward to working together in the future.”
Executive Board of Trustees
Chapel Hill Museum
Chapel Hill, NC
“Serena, both you and Mike Wiley have done an outstanding job! The standing ovation the Brown vs. Board of Education performance received in Fayetteville was well deserved, and is a tribute to both of you.”
Howard Fox
North Carolina Association of Educators
“The Wrights of Passage performance was superb! Thank you!”
-Deborah J. Porter
Manager of Events Development for the Aeromat Conference
Dayton, Ohio.
“This team [EbzB] expresses what is best in an actor. And should you ever have the opportunity to work with them you will be blessed with all the good energy, and their commitment to how they work.”
-J.D. Demers
Studio In The Woods
Creative Action Actors Network
“Dear David and Serena- Thank you so much for such a wonderful performance. In carpool line I heard many of the kids talking about the performance and about World War II. I think you really got many of them thinking. I personally, really loved the music. It was wonderful. I was also very moved by many oft stories. The letters really make it so personal…I would like to have you come in to perform the Wright Brothers this spring. We will definitely have you back next [year]. Again, thank you so much for bringing a new appreciation of that time to our students and staff. If you ever need a reference I would be glad to to talk to anyone about how professional, educational and entertaining you were.”
-Elizabeth Iaquinta
St. Raphael’s School
Raleigh, NC.
“Thank you Serena for working with us through it all. It is hard to describe what we go through here to present quality programs. You are a dream, a doll, for putting up with us.”
Jackie Vaughn
North Carolina Association of Educators
Commissioned “Brown vs. Board of Education”
“The Wrights of Passage” was a great success and the zum Brunnens are wonderfully talented and a pleasure to work with. Thank you for providing this fun and educational presentation for the children of Dare County.”
Billie B. Boyd
Program & Arts Director
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo, NC
“EbzB Productions and David zum Brunnen are wonderful to work with – very accommodating and eager to please. ¦New Bern loves him and is excited about having him back again next year.”
New Bern Women’s Club
New Bern, NC
“The show was wonderful. You should be very proud!! Thank you for a great evening of theatre.”
D. Rae Geoffrey
Director of Outreach and Education
Diana Wortham Theatre
“Thanks again. You guys were great! Have you ever thought of being ambassodors to the trade?”
Leslie Hamlin
Davie County Arts Council, NC
“You are obviously a favorite among those who attend here. Can you fit us in again for next year?”
Mary Steward
Director, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
Cape May, NJ
“I cannot begin to tell you how much we enjoyed working with you for our presentation of The Night Before Christmas Carol. You did such a good job of supplying us with material for publicizing the show and helping us help you make it a successful performance. We really appreciate your assistance. Then the show itself:¦ to watch it was to be transported back in time and space.”
Nancy Womack
Arts & Sciences Dean
Isothermal Community College
Spindale, NC
“Serena: I wanted to let you know how much your work was appreciated. Unbeknownst to me, the front row of the amphitheatre was full of actual survivors of domestic violence who were present to speak to the students. Many of them sought out the professor to comment on what a genuine and sensitive portrayal you gave. That has to be the highest praise possible. On behalf of the students, faculty and guests, thank you for the gifts of your time and talent.”
R. Scott Pollard, MSW, LCSW
Duke University School of Medicine
“Cool Play.”
Mary Schafer
Student, Thomas Jefferson Academy, NC
“Great job. Thanks for making my Christmas better.”
Brad J. Christian
Student, Thomas Jefferson Academy, NC
“David performed three times for us on that day, two school shows and one full evening performance. The audiences for each production were enthralled. The school shows were appropriate for students of any age–¦with our adult audience leaving the hall that evening with a feeling that they had not only witnessed an excellent bit of acting, but an engaging performance as well. This was the perfect show to kick off our holiday season! We look forward to bringing EbzB Productions back to the civic center for both our school programs as well as our Performing Artist Series.”
David Briggs
Director J. E.. Broyhill Civic Center
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, NC
“Ebhardt stops the show with a Communist striptease replete with red ribbons.”
Charleston Post & Courier review of Travesties
Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Charleston, SC
“The closing scene between Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen shines with poignancy and clarity.”
The Independent Weekly, review of Travesties
Raleigh, NC
“This year’s “Dickens of a Christmas” event at the Chapel Hill Museum was another resounding success, thanks in great part to your wonderful production of Nicholas Nickleby. The Dickens event has become a very important fund raiser for the Museum (as well as a fun tradition), and we sincerely appreciate your participation.”
Morgan Kenney
Director, The Chapel Hill Museum
Chapel Hill, NC
“This season we presented Mike [Wiley's] production of Jackie Robinson in the fall, and last week Brown vs. Board of Education – but that’s not why I’m writing. Last week we also presented Dar He: the Lynching of Emmett Till. This is an incredibly powerful piece written and performed by Mike and directed by our own Serena Ebhardt. Dar He is a production that deserves to be on every stage in North Carolina, and I encourage all into making that a reality.”
John Ellis
Managing Director, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
Asheville, NC
I did want to take a moment to thank you for all of your incredible work on getting “Christmas Pageant” in such great shape. I have every confidence that this will be a very rewarding production and tour, and a lot of that is due to your outstanding talent and ability! I consider myself very blessed to have had the privilege of working with both you and David these past months (or should that be years now!). I hope you realize how much I admire you and enjoy working with you.
Stephen Wall
EbzB Productions Actor, The Wrights of Passage
WWJ Productions Actor, Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Raleigh, NC
David and Serena,
You are both fantastic. How does so much talent reside in just two people?
Bruce Ladd
Governors Club
Chapel Hill, NC
“The zum Brunnens and Dickens have become a Chapel Hill tradition and a major fund raiser for the Chapel Hill Museum –¦as for the Nicholas Nickleby – a little over an hour of rollicking fun, watching David and Serena slipping seamlessly from part to part, male and female, old and young.¦ We love you!”
Bitty Holton
Chair, Chapel Hill Museum
Fund-Raising Events, NC
The Paramount did more to improve race relations in Goldsboro, than any focus group or town hall meeting has in at least 5 years. Thank you to Sherry Archibald and the Paramount for bringing “Life is So Good” to our town. The two man play chronicled the life of Richard Glaubman, a man who learned to read at the age of 98. The play was a poignant, yet humorous reflection of the history of racial
inequality in America. Ironically, through a weaving in and out of over 20 characters throughout the play, Mike Wiley and David zum Brunnen provide us a glimpse of true racial
equality; even if only on that stage. They each played white and black characters and were critical and sympathetic to both. It transformed them from a white man and a black man into actors, with no affiliation of skin color. The story they told was not black history or white history, but American history. And as I looked around the audience, the equality that began on the stage was contagious to us all, as we became not white people and black people but just people; just good people, enjoying an evening at the Paramount, all together.
MATTHEW L. YOUNG, Lt Col, USAFR, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
"...Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine" Charles Dickens
