Raleigh News and Observer
Actor's WWII project expands
November 29, 2007
BY ORLA SWIFT, Staff Writer
David zum Brunnen's intentions were simple and personal when he asked
his father to talk on videotape about his experiences in World War II.
But that impetus has led to ever bigger developments for the Apex
actor. The interview sparked a touring performance by zum Brunnen and
his wife, Serena Ebhardt, called "War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of
World War II."
The tour hit big, bringing the pair to schools, theaters and other venues across the nation, with bookings into 2009.
Then UNC-TV caught the fever and filmed the show earlier this year. It
will premiere at 9 p.m. Dec. 10. UNC-TV plans to distribute the program
nationally and to air it over the next year. It fits in with UNC-TV's
"North Carolina World War II Experience" project (www.unctv.org/WWII),
which was spurred by Ken Burns' World War II documentary "The War" and
includes local oral histories.
Zum Brunnen and Ebhardt will also sell a DVD version through their theater company, EbzB Productions.
Zum Brunnen, who grew up in Salisbury, says his dad always spoke openly
about his World War II experiences. But before the video interview, he
had been reluctant to discuss his recollections of liberating three
small concentration camps in Germany. Chester zum Brunnen was a private
first class in the 28th Infantry, 8th Army. He died in 2000. But in
letters to his parents, Chester zum Brunnen freely expressed his anger
at what he found. One of those letters became a seed for "War Bonds,"
which also includes popular wartime-era songs such as "Boogie Woogie
Bugle Boy," "As Time Goes By" and the tear-jerker "When the Lights Go
On Again."
Musical director Julie Florin accompanies the duo live on piano,
sometimes leading a five-piece band. The instrumental music for the TV
version was prerecorded. Veterans are always eager to talk to the pair
after their shows, zum Brunnen says. And he also incorporates letters
submitted at each tour stop, which heightens the impact for audience
and actors alike. One such letter, from a paratrooper, was particularly
poignant, he says. "The reason why he was writing the letter was he
wanted people to have a goodbye letter in case he didn't make it," he
says. "And as I'm reading this letter, I'm realizing that the reason
why I had this letter was because the man had not made it. Believe you
me, it was a pretty tough moment for everyone on stage."
"War Bonds" has spurred audience members to record their own wartime
oral histories, zum Brunnen says. And he and Ebhardt helped a group of
history, drama and choral students at an Edenton high school to create
a production based on students' interviews with Vietnam War veterans.
"That's how this project has germinated little seeds elsewhere," he
says.
Pam Stone Show
Listen to Celebrity Pam Stone's Review of War Bonds on 107.9 fm Radio
THE PAM STONE SHOW - WAR BONDS EBZB INTERVIEW 11/11/06 (mp3)
The Pam Stone Show 107.9 The Link
Asheville Citizen-Times
"WAR BONDS" BY EBZB PRODUCTIONS
AT NC STAGE COMPANY
by Jim Cavener, Correspondent
Chapel Hill's EBZB Productions' original work, "War Bonds," is a charming,
nostalgia-ridden period musical revue, with the period being
World War Two, the early 1940s in the good ole' USA. There is
patriotism and nationalism galore, but never maudlin, nor gross. The
script's emphasis on basic humanity and the horror of it all
over-rules our national penchant for glorifying war.
Serena Ebhardt and David Zum Brunnen are
the quality couple who create such works as last year's Stoneleaf
one-man-show submission, "Via Dolorosa" -- one of the highlights
of that season. This new production is more easy-going, with lots
of memory-jogs from the likes of Bing Crosby, Frances Langford,
Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Glenn Miller, Bob Hope, and the
Andrew Sisters. If those names ring your bell this is a show
you'd love.
Ebhardt is a diminutive dynamo, mother of a
four-year old, possessor of a clear, bright and compelling soprano and
the most riveting eyes on the recent stage. Her eye contact with
the audience is lovely to look at and helps hold attention to the
splendid stage-craft being displayed by both actors in this
often-poignant pageant of music and words. This duo knows the
twists and turns. The selection of writings and the connecting
narrative are a wonder to see and hear.
Zum Brunnen has collected and reads actual historical documents from the
era, ranging
from the words of Franklin Roosevelt to Zum Brunnen's late
father, Chester, a WWII veteran. The personal letters -- many
from the archive of Rutgers University's oral history collection -- are
the glue that hold together more than a score of familiar tunes.
Anyone over 60 will know the majority of these, ranging from
"Sentimental Journey," "White Cliffs of Dover" and "One Meatball"
to "I'll Get By." They open and close the show with "Love
Letters Straight from the Heart" by Heyman and Young. One of the
most memorable tunes is "I'll be Seeing You" by Sammy Fain.
Wardrobe selections are so dated and timely,
down to Ebhardt's dark stocking seam on the back of her legs.
Even accompanists Julie Florin and Diane Petteway wear period
suits and hats, adding accuracy to the trip down memory lane.
Ebhardt makes frequent forays into the audience to sit on laps
and tease the troops. A good time is had by all.
Quotes
"Your Marlene Dietrich was better than the original!"
Patron,
Freedom Hall,
Forest Park, IL
"War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War
II will leave your audience with smiles and tears. It's well
crafted work by two of the best artists in the business. Our audiences
left the show smiling and asking when would EbzB return!"
Jane Lonon
Presenter
Ashe Arts Council, NC
"Serena Ebhardt's rendition of Marlene Dietrich singing Lili Marlene
brought the house down... this husband and wife team re-created those
times with consummate skill.... the program moved at a rapid clip, keeping
the audience well-entertained. Thank you for a wonderful, inspiring,
and timely performance."
John Caroll Gambrell, for the Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail
"In a word, the show was spectacular! War Bonds was the perfect blend
of music, headline news, and nostalgic World War II stories. Sitting
in front of us was a WWII veteran and his wife. Both were very moved
by your performance that clearly brought back to them many WWII
memories. Thanks again for such a memorable and enjoyable evening."
John and Cindy Micavich, Westford, Mass.
Patrons, Deertrees Theatre
Harrison, Maine
"Still getting feedback from your show, 'Spectacular!' being the
latest. It's a pleasure just to watch you both, and your material's
top rate, too. Do you ever tire of compliments? It was such a fun
evening."
Susan Opasik
Blake Library Performance Series
Martin Co.
Libraries, Stuart, FL
"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 of the stories. The
letters really make it so personal...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
Dear David, Serena and Julie,
Thank
you so much for the two fabulous shows. The high school
students have been raving about it--even some students who were forced
to
leave a carpentry project to come. The Coordinator of
Community
Schools asked me what kind of program we had because those boys who
moaned
and groaned about having to come to the assembly yesterday went back to
class
all excited and talking about the show. They must have been very
enthusiastic. The music, the songs, the scripting, the acting all fit
together
so beautifully and all was so exceptionally well done. Very
memorable! We're
already looking forward to the shows next December. My assistant,
Steve
Clobridge, sends his regards, too. In addition to the complements
on
your shows that he delivered in person, he commented to me what nice
people
you are. I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks again.
Jenny Johnson
Swain
County Center for the Arts
Bryson City, NC
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