The Class of 1995 ‘Zoom Boom’

My gosh, where to begin?

I just worked on a team project that created joy and camaraderie for a large group of people. And, all credit goes to the nearly 30 people of the first-ever HBS alumni online talent show cast and crew.

Our b-school class recently put on the event, which we called the “Zoom Boom.” Our team’s thinking was to offer something uplifting to our class, given all the bad and sad news that surround us.

Personally, I also had thought of the neuroscience research that shows that giving creates happiness. I thought we all, both cast and audience, could benefit from a pick-me-up. So, why not put on a Zoom Boom?

I also hoped our class would respond to the idea. For some reason, we have set reunion records three of the four times we’ve convened. There really is something about our group.

So, we pitched the idea for an online talent show to Susan Gold at HBS, and she immediately gave support. The school lent us a Zoom Webinar license, and Kathy Ashraf helped us at each step of the way. We became the pilot that, if successful, could encourage other classes to do the same thing.

Then, Jody Fink, Joanne Hoffer and I, who are among those working on our upcoming 25th Reunion, brainstormed about a name for the event and which classmates to approach.

Honestly, what started as a low-key affair exploded into something exciting. We saw momentum right away. People were hungry to re-connect with each other during this pandemic and after the horrific murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.

We contacted Jon Phillips, who played the musical lead each year in the school musicals. Jon and I sat next to each other during the first semester; so, I felt comfortable asking him. He agreed to be the Master of Ceremonies. I thought that was huge, as Jon is not only extremely talented, he is humble, too. The M.C. would set the tone for the event.

We also pinged Alex Martin and Jamey Sperans, who are funny and are great singers. Alex is on the reunion team and is our Class Secretary. Jamey and I were in the same study group at school and, before that, we were in the same plebes’ training group at Bain & Co. They convinced their a cappella group, Heard on the Street (or HOTS), to get back together.

So, we had the start of a show.

Then, Becca Fogg, a legendary vocalist in our class, signed on. She recommended Franz Heinsen, who is an award-winning pianist and also was part of the school musicals. For fun, she and Franz used to perform to packed NYC jazz clubs on weekends. They’re that good.

Sean Ford is well-known for being among the wittiest of the witty and was a major pillar of the school musicals. He agreed to do a bit, which became the keynote speech.

And, Laura Fortner contacted her former a cappella group, the She-E-Os, and they put up what became an amazing grand finale for the event. She also recruited other classmates and family members.

So, a circle of friends and friends of friends got to work.

We created a promo video to generate buzz and worked on a script. The cast recorded their performances, and Jon coordinated with them on the live-interview portions. We had some tech planning sessions to fine-tune things.

And, then, it was show time on June 13.

It was shocking to see so many classmates log in from the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It was thrilling when the chat stream absolutely erupted. And, it was electrifying to see the cast hit an absolute home run: people who have been friends for over 25 years got back together to give something to our class.

As the show streamed, frankly, I was fighting back tears. I was amazed at the cast’s talent and generosity, and I saw how much heart they put into everything.

The audience’s reaction was amazing. Afterwards, we received many gracious emails from classmates.

Our team both gave and received much in return. For the cast, there was the joy of the pre-show prep sessions. For me, this project was a welcome distraction, given that some family members contracted the virus, and I didn’t think they would make it (prior post here).

The video is above (many thanks to Andrew Palmieri for editing the final product). I promise you will laugh and feel moved. For your convenience, I’ve added time stamps and descriptions:

  • 0:00 – Promo video
  • 2:03 – Program
  • 2:38 – Opening: Jon Phillips. He is a real talent and captured well the sadness we all feel, as well as the positive tone we wanted to give to our audience.
  • 4:33 – Interview: Alex Martin. Bold improv! One hour before show time, I had joked that we should incorporate props into the show. Alex ran with it, as only Alex can.
  • 7:24 – Heard on the Street: “Runaround Flu.” Funny lyrics. Great solo by Sean Ford.
  • 10:08 – Interview: Becca Fogg. A report from London.
  • 11:40 – Becca Fogg and Franz Heinsen: “A Foggy Day” and “My Little Tomato.” Now, you know why they almost went pro.
  • 16:32 – Jon: Reunion update.
  • 18:16 – Keynote speaker: Sean Ford’s “My Bucket List.” Just fall-down funny.
  • 27:43 – Jon introducing the next act.
  • 28:34 – Franz Heinsen and his daughter, Virginia: “You Go to my Head” and “Hallelujah.” She has performed with Washington National Opera.
  • 37:17 – Interview: Jamey Sperans. Both hilarious (look at the lettering on the van) and touching.
  • 44:43 – Heard on the Street: “Lean on Me.” Extremely moving. Great solo by Jamey.
  • 47:13 – Interview: Laura Fortner. She organized spouses and classmates in just one week.
  • 50:46 – She-E-Os: “For the Longest Time.” A hilarious and rousing way to end the show. The 10 year-old percussionist was a hit! I hear that no child labor laws were violated.
  • 53:51 – Closing, bloopers, closing credits

The cast and crew put in hundreds of person-hours to make this happen. They gave a gift to the class that will be remembered for a long time. Here they are, in no particular order. I’ve added their social media links, too, where available:

George Coupounas
Andrew Palmieri
Franz Heinsen
Virginia Heinsen
Jamey Sperans
Kathy Ashraf
Bob Bochnak
Susan Gold
Jennifer Little
Alex Sieja

 

Thank you, Zoom Boom cast and crew! Thank you for the laughs, and I am in awe of your energy and talents. You’ve given me a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

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