Epic ‘Eddie And The Cruisers’ 40th Reunion In Somers Point, N.J.

We attended this very special “sold out” event last night, Saturday, April 22, 2023 at The Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, New Jersey.

It was the much anticipated Eddie and The Cruisers 40th Anniversary special event.

This special event was co-promoted by the Somers Point Historical Society and Carmen and Nancy Marotta (Tony Mart’s fame).

Movie cast mates Michael “Tunes” Antunes and David Patrick Wilson attended the event and held a very special meet and greet with all attendees.

Antunes and Wilson’s appearance also made this a special reunion event.

Antunes played the character Wendell Newton, the band’s accomplished saxophone player. Wilson played the fictional drummer Kenny Hopkins.

Carmen Marotta welcomed everyone and shared some memorable history behind the Eddie and The Cruisers movie and the Somers Point - Tony Mart connection.

Marotta introduced Somers Point City Councilman Kirk Gerety, who was also representing the Somers Point Historical Society.

A really nice mini concert event followed with:

Destinee Monroe, Billy Walton, Michael “Tunes” Antunes and David Patrick Wilson performing several songs … including the iconic “Tender Years.”

Don P. Hurley photos.

The live performance was followed by a very nice meet and greet where everyone could have their photos taken with and get autographs from Antunes and Wilson.

They were both very kind and accommodating during the meet and greet session.

Don P. Hurley photo.

Lastly, the 1983 movie, Eddie and The Cruisers was played in its entirety on the big screen.

This was a real treat, because we never had the opportunity to see the movie on the big screen.

It was a wonderful experience and the sound was amazing. We heard things that you don’t hear when watching it on your home television screen.

Our already high expectations for this special “sold out” event were actually exceeded.