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People On The Move: Ester Kluge
03/05/2009
NBC’S “MOMMA” FROM MARLBORO
Meet the Marlboro “Momma” who appeared on NBC’s new reality television show, “Momma’s Boys,” where three moms try to “help” choose the best girl for their sons. The 58-year-old first-grade school teacher (in Elizabeth) has two “momma’s boys” of her own, as she puts it, and a daughter, Stacey. It started with a chance meeting by her youngest child Robert last summer. He was at a black tie fundraiser, produced by his older brother Scott, at Cipriani in New York City, when he approached a “cute girl.” Little did he know, until the two got to talking, that she was a casting coordinator for Ryan Seacrest’s “Momma’s Boys” on NBC! She said she thought he’d be perfect for the show, and asked if he’d be interested, but there was one catch – he had to bring his mother on set with him as part of the show…a big part!
The next day the commercial real estate broker from New York City followed up with the casting coordinator, got some more information, and immediately called his mom, who was on summer vacation. Together the two decided it was an opportunity not to be missed. Within a day they were off to do an interview and make a video. “It all happened so quickly. We were the last mother and son team to be chosen.” Esther says they were told that they would be perfect, but the producers called 2 days after viewing the interview and said, “We love you but we need a little more footage.” Scott, who, incidentally, helped to produce All My Sons on Broadway (starring Katie Holmes), videotaped some more, and within days they were told to pack their bags for Los Angeles, followed by Santa Barbara and the Virgin Islands. “Before we left, the producers flew out to do a video here in Marlboro, but…there wasn’t enough time to go around town; it was shot in our backyard. My husband Abe and I raised all three of our children here.”
The next step was deciding what to bring. After speaking to wardrobe, “We took four suitcases each!” Esther said the whole production took about 3 to 4 weeks. No cell phones, no communication with Rob (except when on the set), a few meals, and a movie. The girls stayed at the mansion…the guys at another location. “The cameras were running all the time. After a few days, we felt like we were there for months!” As far as how “real” it was, Esther says, “What you saw on the show is how we are in real life! You are guided
somewhat, but it was very real.”
The Marlboro momma adds, “The most embarrassing moment of the whole experience, Rob will tell you, was when he passed out from being dehydrated on the set in front of the whole country! It was about 100 degrees. The fit sports enthusiast is used to working out, but the combination of the fast-food breakfast he was served and the 100 degree temperature didn’t mix well.
It was [and is] Mrs. Kluge’s hope that Robert would [will] preferably find a “nice Jewish girl” to marry. She has raised her children with Jewish traditions and values. As she stated on the show, “My parents and in-laws were Holocaust survivors…come Passover, my entire kitchen is converted. I want those traditions to be passed on… If you marry out of your faith those traditions might get lost.” On the show, Robert actually chose his mom’s favorite – 28-year-old New Yorker, Lauren Potter. All of the bachelor’s were given the chance to remain on the island for a 3-day vacation, but Rob went home early due to work commitments, leaving his momma’s pick behind.
NBC aired the “Momma’s Boys” finale in January. Soon after, a co-worker approached Kluge and told her that her daughter, also a schoolteacher, created an entire lesson for her
students based on the show. Esther was told that the kids are dying to meet her and when they do, they want to present her with an “Oscar” for being such a cool mom. To this day, the Brooklyn-born teacher (now local celebrity) says she still gets stopped. She gets a laugh when they recognize her. It’s an experience she says she and Rob will never forget.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT Peter Luger Steakhouse
FAVORITE MUSICIAN
Elvis Presley
FAVORITE MOVIES
Gone With the Wind and Pretty Woman
PET PEEVE
someone cutting me off on the road
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
Hilary Clinton, my parents, and my grandparents…who I never met
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