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Nutley Tenor Eric Šebek to Perform at Harvesting Hope Gala
As a young boy, Eric Šebek remembers renting tuxes for special events when his father, Christian Šebek, landed the role of Piangi in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, a run that included the show’s 25th anniversary at the Majestic Theatre. Eric didn’t fully understand the magnitude of what was happening at the time, but he does remember being “wowed” by the experience of going backstage and meeting some of the biggest stars in theatre.
Although his mother worked at the Mannes School – The New School in Manhattan and his father had his own music company and spent five years in one of the most popular musicals of all time, they never pushed Eric into performing. They always said he should do whatever makes him happy.
“I thought it was cool that my dad was in Phantom but I never said, ‘I want to do that,’” Eric recalls. “I played Nutley Little League, soccer, and touch football. “My mom gave me piano lessons but I didn’t like it. I did start taking voice lessons at a very young age and joined the chorale at school for the first time in fifth grade. My dad ran his music company from home, so I grew up with a lot of music and a lot of laughter.”
At the time, Eric was more interested in mask-making and the special effects makeup applied to prosthetics. He took art classes and, to this day, still sculpts and makes masks. His first theatre role was the Sultan in “Aladdin” – his sixth-grade play – but focused on band and choir in middle school before taking up theatre again at Nutley High School.As a 14-year-old, Eric attended a four-week intensive drama school at Mannes, where his mom worked. While taking the bus home from school one night, he found out about an open casting call the next morning at Radio City Music Hall.
“I’m in the city by 7 am, the first one to sign up – literally, slot one,” Eric said. “The casting director calls me in to go first. After auditioning for about 20-30 minutes, she said, ‘I don’t normally do this, but you have a callback. I look forward to seeing you again.’”
After singing, dancing, and acting during multiple callbacks, Eric received an interview. A few days later, the casting director called to offer him a part in the 2016 Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Not bad for a first-ever professional theatre role!
Since then, Eric has traveled the world singing opera and performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and other well-known venues. He has performed in productions at Nutley High School, Montclair State University, and a number of local theatres, and he is currently performing in Follies with the Gas Lamp Players at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge.
On November 12, Eric will come home to perform during NFSB’s Harvesting Hope Gala. After performing with his father, Christian, and brother, Zach, at the Garden Party as the Šebek Tenors, Eric is grateful for the opportunity to support NFSB once again. Surprisingly, he’ll be flying solo for the first time.
“This will be my first-ever full concert by myself,” Eric confessed. “The Garden Party was our first NFSB event, and it was really special because it’s all about giving back to the community, providing meals for people who are hungry, and helping people who are struggling to provide for their families. I think I’m proudest of my trio with my dad and brother because all of our events have been fundraisers for charitable organizations.”
As for the program, Eric is still working on a mix of what he believes are favorites of the Nutley community, as well as music they’ve never seen. That may include pop, jazz, country, musical theatre, and opera. More importantly, Eric is thrilled to bring the power of music to the Gala and support those who need help.
“I’m excited to share what I have with Nutley because I’m very appreciative of all that Nutley has given me,” Eric said. “Singing is a healing art form. Music and theatre are the most inclusive, welcoming communities I’ve ever known. If my music helps people feel cared for and forget their troubles, at least for a little while, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Tickets for the Harvesting Hope Gala are only $150. This is a black tie-optional event, with proceeds benefiting NFSB programs and services that are in such high demand in our community. Visit the Harvesting Hope Gala page on the NFSB website to purchase tickets and find out about sponsorship opportunities!
