SMASH, a former NBC series about the creation of a Broadway musical, is making a comeback – but on stage this time.
The original show was executive produced by Steven Spielberg, and aired for two seasons between 2012 and 2013.
Smash is making a comeback but on Broadway instead of TV[/caption]
The original show was a musical drama[/caption]
The stage play will be more of a comedy[/caption]
It followed a fictional New York theatre community as they worked on a new production about Marilyn Monroe.
The ensemble cast included Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, and Anjelica Huston.
Original songs were written for the show by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman – the duo behind Hairspray.
Although Smash got off to a strong start – bagging four Emmys, a Golden Globe and receiving a nod from the Grammys – the show was cancelled after its second season.
But now fans will get another chance to step into the world of Bombshell, the Marilyn Monroe musical at the heart of the TV show.
Smash will make its live Broadway debut next month.
Audiences can expect some major changes as producers have said the new production will ‘depart liberally’ from the original show’s storyline.
They joked: “If you loved the TV series, it’s exactly what you want. And if you didn’t, we changed everything.”
Broadway star and Tony nominee Robyn Hurder is taking on the role of Ivy, who was originally played by Megan Hilty.
While there may be some changes to the storyline, the core plot will still follow the intense rivalry between two actresses vying for the lead role of Marilyn Monroe.
Director Susan Stroman revealed that while the TV show leaned into melodrama, the Broadway version will be more of a comedy.
She shared: “It has familiar characters, but they are different in their backstories. It has many moments that pay homage to the TV series, but the musical stands on its own. It’s very eccentric.”
