Eric Zutty, an eighth grade student at Community Middle School, is headed to San Diego in a few weeks to perform in “Whisper House,” Duncan Sheik’s new musical. The show opens at the Old Globe Theater on Wednesday, January 13.
Zutty, 14, portrays Christopher, a young boy who is sent to live with an aunt when his father dies during World War II and his mother is coping with her own grief. His aunt, whom he has never met, is the keeper of a remote lighthouse. He soon meets ghosts serving as a Greek chorus.
According to Eric’s mother, a private tutor and a child wrangler will be assigned to him and they will be living in apartments within walking distance from everything. Zutty will join Actor’s Equity Union.
“It should be quite an experience and he is very excited,” says his mother Jill. “He already has several scenes down, and he is looking forward to meeting the cast and crew. We also plan to explore San Diego in what little free time he will have.”
The show, which was workshopped at Vassar College last summer, was written as a concept album. “Whisper House” was born when actor Keith Powell, of “30 Rock,” asked Sheik to develop a musical theater piece with him. The book was written by Kyle Jarrow, already an Obie winner for “A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant.”
Zutty played the role of Aaron Carson in the New York production of “Shameland,” and has appeared in shows such as “Law and Order SVU,” “One Life To Live,” and Conan O’Brien’s show.
“Eric is grateful to his family, friends, and school who have given him so much support,” says Jill. His older brother, Andrew, a student at North, is also in theater and has appeared on Broadway.
For more information visit www.duncansheik.com/whisperhouse or www.theoldglobe.org.
