SMASH: Bringing Broadway to NBC

Recently in Atlanta, I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of the pilot episode of NBC’s Broadway Musical show titled Smash. From the moment Katherine McPhee opened the episode singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” I was hooked.

Katherine McPhee plays Karen, a girl next door who is trying to break into the business. Julia and Tom (played by Debra Messing and Christian Borle) are songwriters who are inspired to write an original musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Eileen (played by Angelica Houston) comes on board as a producer and the casting of Marilyn is their first task.

When Broadway veteran Ivy Lynn (played by Megan Hilty), steps on the scene we assume she will be cast as Marilyn hands down. She looks like her and has an incredible voice. But Karen has a flawless audition and we are left wondering who will play Marilyn? A sexy blonde Broadway veteran, or a fresh faced girl from Iowa with a voice that blew everyone away? Let the competition of the dueling Marilyns begin.

Smash gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway musicals and the hard work it takes to make it to opening night. With this fantastic cast, Executive Producer Steven Spielberg and songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) there is no doubt in my mind that NBC has a huge Smash on their hands. Bravo!

Smash premieres February 6th at 10/9c on NBC.