E:60

E:60’s Emmy-nominated “Dream On” updated on occasion of bombings anniversary

On the eve of the two-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, ESPN’s award-winning news magazine, E:60, will air an updated version of their Emmy Award-nominated E:60 Presents Dream On: Stories of Boston’s Strongest tonight (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). Front Row spoke with E:60 feature producer Heather Lombardo – who spearheaded the project – to find out what the update entails.

What is the most significant difference between the initial Boston Marathon tribute show and the updated version?
Similar to the original, this show will feature a message from President Obama, narration by Ben Affleck and Tom Brady and of course, the beautiful version of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” which Steven Tyler and Joe Perry recorded specifically for the special. The main difference is, a few of the individual stories we presented now have a new and exciting chapter.

The Verdict

On April 8, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted on all charges in the Boston Marathon bombing by a federal jury. The news of the verdict is included in tonight’s updated show as host Bob Woodruff “addresses it in his introductions to select vignettes and stories throughout the show. The trial is also touched upon from the personal stand-point of the survivors during the final segment of the [bombing survivor] Marc Fucarile story,” producer Heather Lombardo said.

Why did you decide to update the show?
The original show debuted on the one-year anniversary of the bombing. At that point, the physical and emotional wounds of the brave people whose stories we focused on were still very raw and their healing was just beginning. So it only made sense to continue on the journey with them as they evolved and began to embrace their “new normal.” We believe viewers want to learn how these folks not only survived this unthinkable tragedy, but how they persevered while faced with insurmountable challenges.

What are you most proud of?
I continue to be in awe of the teamwork that went into the production of this special. Virtually every person on E:60 had a role in putting both the original and the update together. When we learned the show was nominated for an Emmy in two categories, there were so many people to congratulate for their contribution and that’s a great feeling.

What do you hope viewers will take away from tonight’s show?
Viewers will undoubtedly be moved and inspired by the sheer will, love, courage, resilience and strength of the survivors and the incredible sacrifices made by the families who care for them.

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