‘Zozzum!’ to showcase local talent

It could be your chance to spot the next Matt Damon, the next Traci Bingham, the next Aerosmith, the next New Kids on the Block.

All of these Boston area celebrities were once young and unknown. Lightning could strike twice, and, when it does, it could very well hit the stage of Sanders Theatre on the evening of July 28.

This is when Harvard Summer School will host a multimedia show featuring high school student artists from Cambridge and Greater Boston. Young singers, dancers, actors, instrumentalists, rap artists, and other performers will have the chance to demonstrate their talents before an audience.

The show is called “Zozzum!” The word is a colloquialism that is a contraction of the phrase “It’s awesome!”

“It’s a very exciting event,” said creative director Isaiah Jackson ’66. “We have many talented young people participating and some highly competent professionals helping them put the show together.”

‘Zozzum!’ will be held July 28 in Sanders Theatre. The free showcase kicks off at 8 p.m. and advance tickets are not necessary.

Among those helping the participants shape their performances are Emily Otto, a graduate of the American Repertory Theatre’s Institute for Advanced Theatre Training, who is serving as the show’s dramaturg, and Wayne Marshall ’98, a local musician and ethnomusicologist, who is working with the students on their musical performances. Anyahlee Suderman of the organization Art Builds Community is helping students create a mural as a backdrop for the show.

Jackson, a distinguished conductor who has led many symphony orchestras including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco and Detroit Symphonies, and, most recently, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, has also been on hand to contribute musical insight as well as an overall sense of enthusiasm for the project.

In addition to his role as creative director, Jackson is teaching a Summer School course called “The Future of Music.” He sees a definite connection between the two activities.

“I feel very strongly that in ‘Zozzum!’ you will be seeing before you the future of music,” he said.