Compliment: Night Before Christmas Carol

David, Your performance was outstanding and enthusiastically received as I hope you gathered from the audience response. You were a pleasure to work with particularly in the less than ideal setting. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Best wishes for the holidays. 

Henry Bowers

English Speaking Union

Raleigh, NC

Night Before Christmas Carol Laugh

At last night's performance of "Night Before Christmas Carol", DzB asked the audience for help in giving a first name to Marley's ghost. The audience responded, "Bob."  First time that's happened in our 15 years of performing the show.

Elliot Engel's Authors Ink

Night Before Christmas Carol in Kansas City.

http://www.mymcpl.org/blog/dickens-christmas

Dickensfest: Night Before Christmas Carol

Dickensfest to offer special performance 

phillipsUpdated: 2013-11-23 08:42:37
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will present the fourth annual DickensFest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-15, 2013, from 6-8:30 p.m. This event will be centered on Moffet and Sergeant Avenues between Third and Fourth Street in Joplin’s residential historic district. Admission to the festival is complimentary, but donation buckets will be available.
New this year, HMP will present a theatrical play titled,"The Night Before Christmas Carol," a historically accurate and highly humorous holiday production by renowned Dickens scholar, Elliot Engel. It takes place in 1843 on the night that Charles Dickens dreams up his idea for a ghostly little Christmas book that becomes world famous. As he composes his winter morality tale, the audience glimpses into the life of the real Dickens explaining his inspirations. In this acclaimed performance, actor David zum Brunnen portrays Charles Dickens and 17 familiar characters; giving personal, social, and historical context to the classic, A Christmas Carol. Performances will be held in the beautiful, historic sanctuary of First United Methodist Church at 501 West 4th Street on every night starting at 6:30 p.m. As a courtesy to audience members and performers, latecomers will be escorted in during appropriate breaks in the performance.
DickensFest also will feature winter lights, costumed Dickens characters from the Dream Theatre Company, indoor/outdoor food and craft vendors, indoor art show/sale, Christmas karaoke for kids, live Nativity, petting zoo, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, face painting, Father Christmas, and more. Tickets may be purchased at the event for horse-drawn carriage rides and trackless train rides. Guests are encouraged to wear 1840s period costumes.
The event is funded in part by a grant from the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Your host, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of Joplin’s oldest downtown residential neighborhood through education and community involvement.

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Thoughtful Presenters Create Community - In One Era

Thoughtful presenters create amazing community experiences.  For the general audience performance of "In One Era" in Kentucky,  the presenter used AP History students as ushers. They also used the performance as an opportunity to honor local music educators from the county. It was an experience that reached far beyond the show, itself.   Thank you, KY!

War Bonds - Veteran's Day, 2013, Buford Community Center, Georgia

David,

Thank you very much for the comments and for the great performance.  You guys were a pleasure to work with.  I will be sure to check out your other work.

Thanks again.


Todd Cleveland
Director
Buford Community Center
Buford, GA

War Bonds: Advent Christian Village, Florida

WAR BONDS: The Songs and Letters of World War II


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Friday, Nov. 8, 2013


5:30 p.m. dinner, 7:15 p.m. show • 
Rumph Dining Room

WAR BONDS: The Songs and Letters of World War II is a musical journey through a war that redefined the world. The show's light hearted, popular tunes of the time are interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the period: a warm reminiscence and a harrowing reminder of a time when the whole world seemed upside down. Come at 5:30 to enjoy a '40s theme dinner at the 1940's Home Front Canteen and stay for the show.

Award winning artists David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt fill the stage with wartime memories and tunes. Actual veterans’ stories create a sentimental journey back through the days when blackouts and rationing were a small sacrifice in order to obtain freedom. A time when Rosie the Riveter discovered she could take care of herself; a time when African-Americans, who were segregated at home, integrated abroad to became heroes; and when a man's only wish was to be home for Christmas. War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II explores the dark side of war and the strange juxtaposition of the lighthearted, popular tunes of the time. Musical Director Julie Florin recreates a nostalgic score of familiar tunes. Twenty-two songs of the period lift the mood—even as the atrocities of war are described. This family show allows the "greatest generation" to celebrate, as the next greatest generation contemplates.
Whether you remember WWII, you’re sure to enjoy the evening.
Live! at Dowling Park Artist Series season ticket holders are admitted free to both the dinner and the show with their season ticket. Those who need tickets for this event may purchase them from the ACV Cashier's Office or at the event, as space permits. ACV member price: $25; non-member price: $35 (prices include dinner and show). Call for 386-658-5557 for student/child pricing.

Ticket Information

Season Tickets offer an overall savings on admission to all nine events plus the reciprocity bonus.* ACV members and staff may purchase season tickets for $75. Non-members may purchase season tickets for $90. The price for season tickets for students and children are $35 and $25, respectively.
Individual event tickets may be purchased at the door, as space allows, or at the locations listed below. Regular evening events are $10 for ACV members and staff and $12 for non-members. Events that include dinner are $25 for ACV members and staff and $35 for non-members. The matinee (A Land Remembered) is $8 and $10. Student admission is $7 per event. ** Children are $5 and children under age 5 are free. Tickets may be purchased at Advent Christian Village Cashier, The Music Center in Live Oak, or at Live Oak Chamber of Commerce.
*Reciprocity bonus: ACV Season Ticket subscribers may attend performances of North Florida Community College Artist Series (NFCC) and Community Concerts of Lake City, Inc. at no extra charge. (NFCC requests that reciprocity subscribers please call 850-973-1653 at least one week prior to each event to reserve seating.)
**Call 386-658-5557 for student/child pricing for dinner events.

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Living off the Line - Serena Directs Aion Productions, The Clothesline Muse

Living off the Line

Serena Ebhardt directs the theatrical premiere of The Clothesline Muse.
March 15, 2014. Painted Bride Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

In One Era and Out The Other: High Point Area Arts Council, September 27, 2013

Dinner Theatre

In One Era and Out The Other:

A Patriotic History of the United States from 1901-2001

The High Point Area Arts Council will present In One ERA and Out The Other on Friday, September 27, in the dinner theatre at the Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial Street, High Point.

In One ERA and Out The Other is a history of 20th century America told through a patriotic, broad-spectrum prism. "ERA" is a fast-paced musical cabaret filled with multi-media images  from 1901 - 2001. Culminating with the September 11, 2001 attack on America, the show refocuses the future with humor and hope.

"ERA" appeals to older audiences from a patriotic and nostalgic point of view and to college audiences for its subliminal language, double entendre, karaoke, prizes, and references to progressive & LGBT rights. Using celebrities, headlines, politics, protests, scandals, sex, sports, natural disasters, and popular culture, Serena Ebhardt makes history personal. She reveals how Americans come together in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness when they stand united. It is all just a little bit of history repeating with an uplifting look towards the future.

Serena Ebhardt has performed hundreds of roles in Europe, Canada, Off-Broadway, and in regional theater across the United States. Serena’s dramatic training includes NC Governor’s School and Hedgerow Theatre’s Master Acting Classes with Rose Schulman. She was a Paul Green Scholar in Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina and has been trained by The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center Institute, and the National Center for Creative Aging as a Professional Teaching Artist

In One ERA and Out The Other will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on September 27. The show and an all-American dinner (including apple pie for dessert) is $40 per person. Seating is limited so please call 336-889-2787 ext. 24 to make a reservation before September 23.

War Bonds: The Warren Performing Arts Center

The Warren Performing Arts Center

War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII Join us for a musical journey through a way that redefined the world. This multimedia living history cabaret is interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the period.  Travel back to a time when blackouts and rationing were a small sacrifice in order to obtain freedom.  Featuring 22 spirit-stirring tunes of the day and plenty of actual veterans' stories. A warm reminiscence and a harrowing reminder of a time when the whole world seemed upside down.   Adults $25         Students & Seniors  $23 Sunday, September 15, 2013 @ 4:00 PM

EbzB Productions is looking forward to seeing you this Saturday atUnited Arts Council's 2013 Cultural Arts Booking Fair!

EbzB Productions is looking forward to seeing you this Saturday at United Arts Council's 2013 Cultural Arts Booking Fair!  Please visit our booth to discover how we may enhance your school's cultural life.

EbzB is a professional touring theatre.  Our teaching artists develop works to promote integrity, self-discovery and positive transformation of
artists, audiences, individuals, and communities. We have offerings available for all grade levels which include direct connections to Common Core North Carolina Standards.  Visit our website for previews of our work: www.ebzb.org.

K - 8th Grade 
THE WRIGHTS OF PASSAGE
100+ years of flight history with the Wright Brothers.
Common Core NC Standards - 4th and 8th Grade North Carolina History/Social Studies
(Originally commissioned by North Carolina Association of Educators)

4 - 12th Grade 
WAR BONDS: THE SONGS AND LETTERS OF WORLD WAR II
A musical journey through the war that redefined the world.
Common Core NC Standards - History/Social Studies

4 - 12th Grade 
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens scholar, Dr. Elliot Engel
Charles Dickens reveals his sources while creating his ghostly classic.
Common Core NC Standards - Language Arts, History/Social Studies
                    
4 - 12th Grade 
LIFE IS SO GOOD by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman
The true story of an African-American man who learned to read at the age of 98.
Common Core NC Standards - Language Arts, History/Social Studies
Featuring Mike Wiley and David zum Brunnen

6  - 12th Grade
IN ONE ERA AND OUT THE OTHER
An interactive history of 20th Century America presented through headlines, pop-music and pop-culture.
Common Core NC Standards -  Language Arts, History/Social Studies                     
(Created to match AP United States History standards while providing an anti-bullying message.)

k - 12th Grade
ARTS-IN-EDUCATION RESIDENCIES AND WORKSHOPS
EbzB Teaching Artists have been trained by The Lincoln Center Institute, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Center For Creative Aging.  Residencies and Workshops for students and professional development are tailored specifically to the needs of the school or district.

EbzB is recognized by the North Carolina Arts Council Touring Artist Directory 

and in the South Carolina Arts Commission Arts In Education Roster of Approved Artists. 

EbzB is the recipient of the North Carolina Theatre Conference's Constance Welsh Theatre For Youth Award for providing quality entertainment and educational opportunities through theater to North Carolina's youth. 

EbzB Productions: Your World Is Our Stage!

www.ebzb.org

-Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen

Co-founders of EbzB Productions

Happy Anniversary!

Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen celebrate 25 years of marriage 

and 27 years of performing arts collaboration. The duo were married in 1988 

at The Forest Theatre on the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill.

Over 300 people attended the ceremony. A reception was held at the Carolina Inn

where guests danced to Big Band music provided by Rodney Marsh. 

The couple began their courtship in 1986 while performing in a production of "Lysistrata."

They formed EbzB Productions in 1998.  www.ebzb.org. 

‘Life is So Good’ now playing at The Renaissance Center | Columbia Daily Herald

EbzB Productions and Mike Wiley Productions  ‘Life is So Good’ now playing at The Renaissance Center | Columbia Daily Herald

‘Life is So Good’ now playing at The Renaissance Center in Tennessee.

Courtesy photo

Bill Oakley in rehearsal for “Life is So Good,” playing at The Renaissance Center’s Gaslight Theatre through May 24. Oakley is cast as George Dawson, a slave’s grandson who learned to read at age 98.

DICKSON — The Gaslight Dinner Theatre at The Renaissance Center will present the Tennessee premiere of “Life is So Good,” a moving and inspirational true story of George Dawson, a slave’s grandson who learned to read at age 98.
Based on the book, “Life is So Good: One Man’s Extraordinary Journey Through the 20th Century and How He Learned to Read at Age 98,” written by Dawson and school teacher Richard Glaubman, the play offers an unforgettable account of Dawson’s life view of the world, with valuable lessons and insights into humanity, history, hardships and happiness.
From segregation and civil rights, to the wars, presidents and defining moments in history, Dawson reflects on the good and bad of America during the 20th century, inspiring audiences with the message that, through it all “Life is so good. I do believe it’s getting better.”

“Life is So Good” runs through May 24 with evening dinner shows Friday and Saturday and matinee lunch shows on Friday. Dinner shows are 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are noon for lunch, 1 p.m. for the show. Dinner and show is $37; lunch and show is $27.

Compliment. Arts-In-Education. Guilford County Teachers Workshop.

Hello Serena,

This is Becky Finger, the Guilford County Schools Building Bridges grant evaluator.  I met you Saturday in Chapel Hill. 

I so appreciate your work.  Teachers did also.  Your performances were the highest ranking presentations for both Friday and Saturday.  Overwhelming, teachers mentioned your presentations as favorites and as ideas they will transfer into their own classrooms.  Many are asking that funds be made available for you to make presentations in their schools.  What a hit!  You inspired so many and modeled such powerful teaching tools.  You and Mike are to be congratulated. 

All the best,

Rebecca Finger,

Grant Evaluator

Guilford County, NC

"LIFE IS SO GOOD" PART OF THE RENAISSANCE CENTER'S "CIVIL RIGHTS AND INCLUSION" THEME | Tennessee Department of Tourist Development News Bureau

"LIFE IS SO GOOD" PART OF THE RENAISSANCE CENTER'S "CIVIL RIGHTS AND INCLUSION" THEME | Tennessee Department of Tourist Development News Bureau

"LIFE IS SO GOOD" PART OF THE RENAISSANCE CENTER'S "CIVIL RIGHTS AND INCLUSION" THEME

Apr 30 2013 Dickson

DICKSON, Tenn. – Performances for the Tennessee premiere of “Life is So Good,” a moving and inspirational true story of George Dawson, will take place May 2-24 at The Renaissance Center.
Based on the book, “Life Is So Good: One Man's Extraordinary Journey through the 20th Century and How he Learned to Read at Age 98,” written by George Dawson, a slave’s grandson who learned to read at 98 years old, and school teacher Richard Glaubman, the play offers an unforgettable account of Dawson’s view of the world with valuable lessons and insights into humanity, history, hardships and happiness. From segregation and civil rights to wars, presidents and defining moments in history, Dawson reflects on the good and bad of America during the twentieth century.
The play is part of the center’s theme of “Civil Rights and Inclusion” for the 2013 spring season. Related events at the center include Alan LeQuire’s Cultural Heroes art exhibit, the Nashville Public Library’s exhibit of Civil Rights photographs and the Mind Enriching Theatre’s production of “Freedom Train – The Story of Harriet Tubman” for grades 4-6 and “The Rainbow Fish: An Ocean Tale” for grades K-3. Both are available for school field trips through May 17.
Performances of” Life is So Good” include Friday and Saturday evening shows with dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday Matinee performances with lunch at noon and show at 1 p.m. Tickets are $37 for the dinner and show evening performance and $27 for lunch and show matinees.
For more information, visit www.rcenter.org.

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Arts In Education - To Be: United

To Be: United

Arts-In-Education

The documentation of a residency for Chowan Middle School by the teaching artists of EbzB Productions.
Made possible by a grant from the Arts of the Albemarle.  http://www.artsaoa.com/
May 9, 2013.

Compliment: In One ERA

David and Serena,

Thank you again for the 3 superb performances of "In One Era and Out the Other." I was impressed with the fast pace and high energy of the show and the fact that it was steady throughout all three performances in the same day. WOW! Facts and history can sometimes be boring, but certainly not in this show! The variety and selection of visuals along with the dynamics of the music and the tremendous voice of Serena Ebhardt drew in the audience making them want more. The play on words, the humorous, the fun, the famous, the sad and the tragic were all presented like the kaleidoscope that is our history. I felt like I was watching and listening to an up-to-minute broadcast of a hundred years of history as it was happening.

The JROTC instructor, Major Beaulieu, whom you met, asked his 22 cadets how they liked the show--thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs sideways. He got 22 thumbs up. I'm sure the patriotic overtones of the show also struck a chord with this group. All the faculty and students I spoke with about the show really enjoyed it not only for the entertainment value, but also for the educational value.

I've enjoyed working with EbzB Productions over the years and appreciate the quality and professionalism of all your productions. Plus, you are just delightful folks to work with. I especially enjoyed meeting your son this time. He's an extraordinary young man. All the best to all of you, Jenny Johnson

--
Eugenia (Jenny) L. Johnson, Director
Swain County Center for the Arts
Swain County, NC

Life Changer - Wrights of Passage

While teaching student workshops this week and enabling classes to create a play called "The Timeline of Aviation," a student approached me. He looked angry and sad. He told me that he didn't like learning about the Enola Gay airplane because it had been used to drop bombs on Japan. His family is Japanese. He is 9 years old.

I searched for something, anything to heal the moment.

I said, "I think I understand how you feel. Do you know that my family is from Germany? We were considered enemies and called Nazis by Americans during the same war. I don't like that either. But my hope is, that in teaching you how the invention of the airplane has been put to use in the past, that you will understand how it might be used to heal the future. We must now work together as one to heal."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

He nodded his head, but continued to look unsettled. He squeezed my hand. I squeezed back. We parted. I hoped.

-Serena

In One ERA and Out The Other

Having fun with my friends who stand by me in the student matinee of "In One ERA."

Compliment From The Playwright To The Director

Dear Serena,

Thank you so very much for everything you did to bring "Oude Kerk" to life! I had a lot of fun writing the piece and am so grateful for the great talent and dedication you brought to it. Your skill, wisdom, and good humor made this a delightful process for me, and produced a lovely piece of theater. Thank you, again, and I look forward to the chance to work with you again, whenever that may be.

Ian Finley
Playwright
"Interior of The Oude Kerk"
Ackland Art Festival, 2013

The Daily Tar Heel :: Plays to be performed in Ackland for 'Activated Art' series

The Daily Tar Heel :: Plays to be performed in Ackland for 'Activated Art' series

The Interior of the Oude Kerk by Ian Finley, directed by Serena Ebhardt of EbzB Productions

In One ERA - Pop Quiz

In One ERA - Pop Quiz

Take it and see how much you know about AP US History!
The answers can be found in EbzB Productions' "In One ERA and Out The Other."

Activated Art at the Ackland

Activated Art at the Ackland

By popular demand, the Ackland Art Museum at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is again presenting "ekphrastic theater" in its galleries. Through an upcoming series of live theater performances entitled ACTIVATED ART, works of art in the Ackland’s permanent collection may be experienced in unexpected and thought-provoking ways.

Ekphrasis is a rhetorical device in which one artistic medium attempts to define the essence of another, giving a work further life by telling its perceived story. Each performance of ACTIVATED ART comprises five ten-minute plays, each inspired by a different work of art in the Ackland Art Museum’s permanent collection.

Written by four distinguished North Carolina authors—Dana Coen, Howard L. Craft, Ian Finley, and Marianne Gingher—and the first-place winner of a student play-writing competition, Wynton Wong, these original plays construct dramatic narratives perceived in painting and sculpture, in an effort to capture the works’ most essential nature.

The five plays presented at each ACTIVATED ART 2013 performance are:

The Spectacle of our Misery by Dana Coen

The Minstrel by Howard L. Craft

The Interior of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam by Ian Finley - Directed by Serena Ebhardt.

Art Class by Marianne Gingher

Switch by Wynton Wong
The plays will be performed in the Ackland’s galleries, in front of the art that inspired them. A discussion with the playwrights and directors follows the two Friday evening performances.

Performances:

Friday, 5 April, 8:00 PM – A discussion with the playwrights follows this evening’s performances.

Saturday, 6 April, 8:00 PM
Sunday, 7 April, 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 10 April, 8:00 PM
Thursday, 11 April, 8:00 PM
Saturday, 13 April, 8:00 PM
Sunday, 14 April, 6:00 PM
Friday, 19 April, 8:00 PM – A discussion with the playwrights follows this evening’s performances.

Saturday, 20 April, 6:00 PM
Sunday, 21 April, 8:00 PM
Tickets:

Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased in person at the Ackland Museum Store, on the corner of Franklin and Columbia Streets, in downtown Chapel Hill, or by phone: 919.962.0216.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SEATING LIMITED. LAST YEAR'S PERFORMANCE WAS SOLD OUT BEFORE WE OPENED. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS EARLY.