NEWS
This page contains a selection of the 'nieuws' page of the Dutch site.

Jon van Eerd chairman jury
Dutch Musical Awards
6 JUNE 2021
Jon van Eerd has been appointed chairman of the prestigious Dutch Musical Awards jury
Jon himself has won several musical Awards throughout the years. A.o. for his legendary portrayal of Albin/Zaza in La Cage aux Folles and for the brand new musical he has written with British composer Michael Reed.
The Award Gala will take place in 2022 and will be broadcast on national television.

Brand new post-covid comedy to hit the theatres
30 JUNE 2021
Jon van Eerd's production company Pretpakhuis announces a brand new, hilarious, post-covid rollercaoster comedy HARRIE NEEMT DEB BENEN (Harry Between the Legs). Written by Van Eerd the play in his well known absurdist style will premiere in December this year.
The comedy deals with two police cops, Harry and his nephew Barry, who have been assigned to go undercover in an infamous illegal brothel. The assignment turns out to be the most challenging Harry job has ever had to 'perform' in.
For touring dates and venues and more information go to:

Continued talks Jon van Eerd and Minister of culture
30 MAY 2020
A second meeting between Jon van Eerd and Dutch minister of culture Ingrid van Engelshoven has led to no noteworthy results. Van Eerd commented: 'The talks were successful in that we succeeded in explaining to her how the cultural system actually works. Also in terms of economics.'
'It is rather sad and shocking to have to explain this to a minister in the first place, but I gladly took on the responsibility.'
Van Eerd is traumatized to experience nothing but ignorance and rigidness in the minister. 'The two often go hand in hand when people panic.'

Jon van Eerd advises Dutch Minister of Culture
14 MAY 2020
Jon van Eerd has been speaking to minister of culture Ingrid van Engelshoven about the disastrous situation the Dutch theatres have ended up in since the corona crisis.
The minister has committed herself to a follow-up of what seems to have been a fruitful meeting.

Shut down Dutch Theatres
12 MARCH 2020
Due to the Corona virus the Dutch government has decided to close down all public activities that involve a hundred people or more. Due to this stipulation Pretpakhuis is regrettably forced to close its shows until April 1.
When and where Big Kitchen Mess (Herrie In de Keuken) will resume its performances will be announced as soon as possible.
www.pretpakhuis.nl

FIRST TRY-OUT A BIG KITCHEN MESS
23 NOVEMBER, 2019
Jon van Eerd's brand new, greasy and sticky comedy Herrie in de Keuken has its fitst try-out performance tonight.
More info on www.pretpakhuis.nl

CHRISTINA COLLIER
IN CONCERT
17 AUGUST, 2019
Opera singer and diva Christina Collier gave a wonderful concert with a variety of classical and musical pieces. Several friends joined as guest. Jon van Eerd sang some songs by Stephen Sondheim.
Among the other special guests were Michael Reed, French cellist Renaud Gigord and Lyon Opera pianist Angela White.

MORE NOMINATIONS FOR CHARLEY
4 AUGUST, 2019
The highly succesful musical comedy CHARLEY has received yet another four awards. This time Musical World has honoured CHARLEY with nominations for:
⭐️Beste musical: CHARLEY
⭐️Best male actor: Jon van Eerd
⭐️Best male supporting role: Laus Steenbeeke
⭐️Best female supporting role: AnneMieke Ruyten
Michael Reed already cashed in on his Award for best music!
Votes are on now through the site of Musical World
http://www.musicalworld.nl/awards/mw_awards_2019/

JON VAN EERD'S
HIT COMEDY
STAGED IN BELGIUM
28 JUNE, 2019
Jon van Eerd's highly successful and hilarious comedy HARRY AND THE LITTLE ONES is due to hit the Belgium stage in 2020.
The new Belgium Farctheater's first professional production will open in the Scala Theatre in Gent Belgium.
Jon van Eerd's iconic part of Harrie Vermeulen will be playes by Belgium actor Peter van Asbroeck.

THRILLING TRIBUTE TO
MICHEL LEGRAND
IN ROYAL CONCERT HALL
25 JUNE, 2019
Jon van Eerd and Noortje Herlaar celebrated Michel Legrand's repertoire in the famous Royal Concerthall (Het Concertgebouw) in Amsterdam last night.
The audience went wild with songs and evergreens such as 'Windmills of Your Mind'. 'This Is One Of Those Moments' and 'Papa Can You Hear Me'.
The Philips Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Jules van Hessen.

THEATRES BRACING
FOR NEW HARRY
24 APRIL, 2019
Jon van Eerd's brand new comedy HERRIE IN DE KEUKEN (Kitchen Wars) was presented to the public with a press gathering in front of the Meervaart Theatre today.
The hilariously funny comedy in the well-known Harry-sequel opens December 2019 and runs to April 2020. Alongside Jon, the play stars Arie Cupé, Anne Lamsvelt, Joey Schalker, Liss Walravens and Brian Verhagen.

OPRAH CHRISTENS SHIP
JON VAN EERD
ON UNIQUE PLAYBILL
18 APRIL, 2019
Last February the brand new Holland America Line ship, Nieuw Statendam, was christened by Oprah Winfrey! As one of her first year's trips the ship is scheduled to sail towards Norway and its famous fjord coast.
As part of a special musical theme Dutch star Jon van Eerd will be giving a series of concerts on board. The journey will also star Stanley Burleson and Mariska van Kolck.
JON VAN EERD TRIBUTE
MICHEL LEGRAND IN
ROYAL CONCERT HALL
29 MAART, 2019
Jon van Eerd en Noortje Herlaar will be paying a grand homage to recently deceased Michel Legrand.
With no less than 90 musicians in the Philips Symphony Orchestra they will take you by the hand and lead you through Legrand's magnificent oeuvre.
From 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg' to 'Summer '42' and Barbara Streisand's 'Yentle'.
The event will take place on June 25th at the Royal Concert Hall in Amsterdam.

JON VAN EERD
AND MICHAEL REED WINNERS DUTCH MUSICAL AWARD
22 JANUARI, 2019
Both Jon van Eerd and Michael Reed were the proud winners of a Musical Award last night at the Award Gala. Jon received his Award for his book and adaptation of THE ADDAMS FAMILY and Michael accepted his Award for the musical score of CHARLEY. 🎶
The CHARLEY brought the house down with a medley of songs from the show.

UNIQUE CD PRESENTED TO CHARLEY CAST
19 DECEMBER, 2018
Dutch singer and musical star Simone Kleinsma surprisingly appeared on stage after tonight's sold-out performance of CHARLEY.
She presented the cast with the first CD of the show, which is a live recording of the opening night on December 9th 2018.
In her speech she expressed genuine praise for the quality and excellence of this unique production. Both audience and press embrace this unexampled and hilariously perfect musical show.

CHARLEY 4 NOMINATIONS FOR MUSICAL AWARD
(PLUS ONE EXTRA)
11 DECEMBER, 2018
Just days after the triumphant premiere of CHARLEY, the production was honored with four Musical Award Nominations:
⭐️ Best score: Michael Reed
⭐️ Best choreography: Eline Vroon
⭐️ Best actor: Jon van Eerd
⭐️ Best musical: Charley
On top of this Jon van Eerd was also nominated for ⭐️ Best translation/adaptation for the Addams Family.


RAVING REVIEWS FOR CHARLEY
10 DECEMBER, 2018
On december 9th CHARLEY premiered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Audience and press were both ecstatic! Quotes inlcude:
'It's a hoot!' 'Brilliant and unique' 'Sheer perfection'.
The standing ovation didn't calm down until the cast had reappeared numerous times to take more bows.
Book and music were praised as outstanding and sublime.
TRIUMPHANT FIRST PREVIEW CHARLEY
November 23, 2018
The first preview of CHARLEY the musical, was an overwhelming success. The audience literally went wild.
Cast, orchestra, creatives and crew were given a a ten minute long standing-ovation. Certainly a very welcome and stimulating boost for all involved to work towards the world premiere on December 9.

FLYING START REHEARSALS CHARLEY
October 15. 2018
Show-time!
Rehearsals started for the new Dutch musical comedy CHARLEY. Composer Michael Reed en scriptwriter and lyricist Jon van Eerd were happy to present the cast with their work. Designs for set and costumes were presented to a very excited and eager crew and company.

FABULOUS REVIEWS
DUTCH PRODUCTION OF LETTICE AND LOVAGE
Both audience and press embrace the Dutch production of Peter Shaffer's 'Lettice and Lovage' entitled 'Kunst & Kitsch'.
Starring Dutch star actresses Liz Snoijink and Rayonde de Kuyper, comedian Arie Cupé and debutante Liza van Zeijderveld.
Directed and translated by: Jon van Eerd
TRIUMPHANT OPENING NIGHT PETER SHAFFER'S
LETTICE AND LOVAGE
September 24. 2018
The first national Dutch production of Peter Shaffer's 'Lettice and Lovage' entitled 'Kunst & Kitsch' premiered in Amsterdam. The response of the cheering audience underlined the excellent tour-de-force of the four actors.
CHARLEY THE MUSICAL
TRIUMPHS AT START OF SEASON
August 26-2018
At the Dutch national opening of the theatre season which traditionally shows previews of productions to come, the cast of CHARLEY - the musical opened the show. It was broadcast live on national television and made an unbeatable impression both on viewers at home and those present on the square. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. See the performance by clicking the Charley image below.

JON VAN EERD TO ADAPT
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
DECEMBER 12 - 2017
Today TEC-entertainment announced they will be producing THE ADDAMS FAMILY for the 2018/2019 season.
Jon van Eerd will be translating/adapting the musical for the Dutch theatres.
Paul Eenens will be directing whilst Stanley Burleson will take on the choreography.
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HARRY AND TWO MASTERS ON TV!
On December 31st the Omroep MAX channel will show the 2014 hit comedy HARRY AND TWO MASTERS. 5,35 p.m. on NPO2.
Cast: Jon van Eerd, Margo Dames, Arie Cupé and others. Script: Jon van Eerd. Directed by Caroline Frerichs.

Raving reviews for HARRY && EVE. Harry did it again. All the major Dutch papers shook their rhapsodic stars in praise of Jon van Eerd's latest comedy.

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11-01-17 NEW COMEDY JON VAN EERD AGAIN A LEADING HIT
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10-26-17 CHARLEY - THE NEW COMEDY MUSICAL
Today theatrical producer Pretpakhuis announced the cast of the new musical comedy CHARLEY. Marjolijn Touw, Hugo Haenen, Laus Steenbeeke and Priscilla Knetemann are among the actors who will be starring with Jon van Eerd in CHARLEY.
Jon van Eerd will write the script and lyrics and Michael Reed is to compose the music.
The story of CHARLEY is inspired by Brandon Thomas' 19th century comedy 'Charley's Aunt'.
Michael Reed and Jon van Eerd first worked together on and in the original Dutch musical 'Moeder Ik Wil Bij de Revue' in 2014. Reed is a well-known composer and musical director both on the West End and Broadway.
The musical will tour with a live orchestra. The world premiere is scheduled for December 2018 in Rotterdam.

Today rehearsals start of the new hilarious comedy Harry & Eve. All-time director is Caroline Frerichs. The cast includes Jon van Eerd, Margo Dames, Karel Simons, Rosalie de Jong and Jacqueline Aronson.
During the tour the audience will be surprised with the participation of a changing group of people who will appear on stage.
The play will premiere on October 30. More information can be found on
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09-04-17 KICK-OFF HARRY & EVE
Today theatrical producer Pretpakhuis announced a new musical comedy for 2018. Jon van Eerd will write the script and lyrics and Michael Reed is to compose the music.
'Charley' is based on Brandon Thomas' 'Charley's Aunt'.
Michael Reed and Jon van Eerd first worked together on and in the original Dutch musical 'Moeder Ik Wil Bij de Revue' in 2014. Reed is a well-known composer and musical director both on the West End and Broadway.
The musical will tour with a live orchestra. The world premiere is expected in december 2018 in Rotterdam.

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26-06-17 CHARLEY - NEW MUSICAL
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17-06-17 DESPICABLE ME 3 PREMIERES
Today 'Despicable Me 3' will open in Dutch and
Belgian cinemas. Jon is the original Dutch voice of
Gru. In this film he also performs the voice of Gru's
brother, Dru.
In the American version both parts are spoken by
Steve Carell.

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04-05-17 JON VAN EERD STARRING IN OPERA
EISLER ON THE GO
Today the opera EISLER ON THE GO premiered in
Amsterdam. Jon van Eerd plays the troubled
composer Hanns Eisler who, together with Brecht
and Weill, fled from the Nazis to the US, only to be
exiled again during the communist witch hunt in
the 40s.
The opera received rave reviews.
More information can be found on the (Dutch) page
Theaterproducties. Should you wish more info in English,
please send an email through contact.

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12-02-17 WATCH IT, BROADWAY!
HARRY'S ON HIS WAY
Harry could pop up on the foreign stage one of
these days. Jon van Eerd's highly successful
comedy 'Harrie Let Op de Kleintjes' (Harry and the Little Ones)
has drawn the attention of several agents and producers.
They are currently speaking with representatives in
New York, Germany and South Africa.

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23-11-16 HARRIE BABBA ON TV
New Year's Eve: on Saturday 31st of December the
hilarious HARRIE BABBA will be shown on TV on the
Dutch MAX Channel.
Broadcasting on NPO2 17:45 local time.

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20-11-16 JON JURY MEMBER
PRESTIGIOUS MUSICAL AWARDS
Today the organization of the prestigious
Dutch Musical Awards announced Jon's
appointment as a member of the jury.
Jon has won four Musical Awards himself
and is now ready to be part of this new adventure.


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14-11-16 OPENING NIGHT HARRY
Jon van Eerd's latest comedy 'Harrie and the Little
Ones' premiered went at the charming Gouda
Theatre.
The audience was ecstatic and the reviews
sensational, making the play a multi-star
production and an undisputed hit!
Quotes include: 'King of Laughter', 'unique and ingenious script', 'splendid timing, great acting, and a brilliantly clever script'.

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04-06-16 ZAZA WAS BACK!
For one moment a packed house at the Amsterdam
Heineken Hall thought they were back in 'La Cage aux
Folles'. The musical in which Jon van Eerd starred 5
years ago as ZaZa was such a tremendous success it
was picked as the official opening show of the brand
new DeLaMar Theatre in Amsterdam and attended by
Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands.
The Heineken event was the yearly charity evening also
known as 'Het Amsterdam Diner'. During this prestigious
gala funds are raised for the awareness and research of
AIDS and HIV. In attendance of Her Majesty Princess
Mabel Jon once again shook the audience with his
powerful rendition of 'I Am What I Am', which was this
year's theme of the event.
Watch Jon on Youtube

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03-06-16 HARRIE BABBA GETS 9.1
On a scale between 1 and 10 Jon's comedy
'Harrie Babba' was awarded a full 9.1 by the
independent audiences of the Blauwe Kei
Theatre in the town of Veghel.
The score earned the production a third place
in the competition of the prestigious 'Veghelse
Toneelprijs'.
Jon won this prize once before, with his re-write of
the classic 'Boeing Boeing'.

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21-04-16
Last night 'Harrie Babba' saw its last performance in
the Royal Theater The Hague. The enormous success
of production company Pretpakhuis will be followed
by a brand new comedy written by Jon van Eerd
entitled: 'Harrie Let Op de Kleintjes' - 'Harry Watches
the Little Ones'. The play will open on Monday November
14th this year.
Once again directed by Caroline Frerichs, next to Jon
the play features old-time favorites Arie Cupé and
Margo Dames as well as musical star Zjon Smaal
and upcoming talent April van Amelsvoort.

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08-03-16
On Sunday April 3, 'Harrie Babba' will be taped in
front of a live theatre audience at the Amphion in
Doetinchem.
Tickets are available through the theatre:
Stay iinformed about the release of the DVD of
the comedy through this site or through

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27-01-16
On Sunday February 20th (Breda)
and Sunday March 10th (Heerlen) Jon will be giving two
exclusive concerts together with musical star Maaike
Widdershoven.
More information will follow soon.
Reservations can be made at the box-offices:
Breda - (coffee-concert)
Heerlen - Parkstad Theater (apple crumble matinee)

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01-03-16
On January 12th Jon will be lecturing on translating
and the adaptation of plays and musicals at the
University of Nijmegen.
Although participation is exclusive for University
students exceptions can be made for observers.
Those who are interested should contact Ton Fiere

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Last night the first of four unique concerts was given to celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday. All over the world stars and dignitaries commemorated Sinatra with tributes and salutations.
In the Netherlands the world famous Metropole Orchestra offers four concerts with seven outstanding Dutch artists and special guest, Canadian singer Matt Dusk.
12-11-15
The first night blew the roof off the theatre and the expectation is that the next three concerts will do exactly that.
Apart from Jon van Eerd and Matt Dusk the following singers appeared:
Tania Kross, Ruben Hein, Hadewych Minis, Leonie Meijer, Felix Maginn and renowned Greetje Kauffeld.
Sinatra 100, a Man and His Music can still be seen
12-11-15 Ede
12-12-15 Amsterdam, Rai
12-13-15 Venlo
