NBC offers a sizzling new drama that hopes to live up to its idealistic name. Based in New York, this show is a glimpse behind the scenes of Broadway and centers on the intense competition for a dream role. Viewers will recognize Debra Messing (“Will and Grace”) who plays a workaholic songwriter as well as Katherine McPhee (“American Idol”, The House Bunny).
Karen (McPhee) dreams about becoming a star, yet after many unsuccessful auditions and her parent’s waning support, the future looks bleak. Broadway is the place where many people’s hopes fizzle away, and only her boyfriend Dev (Raza Jaffrey Eastern Promises) truly believes in her. Meanwhile a golden opportunity arrives as Julia (Messing) works with her team to create a completely new musical based on the tumultuous life of actress and bombshell Marilyn Monroe.
Broadway wouldn’t be complete without a steady dose of drama. Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty, “Wicked”) was born for the role, and with an impressive resume she stands out from Karen’s novice abilities. Although it is predictable to guess the end of this underdog story, certainly the storyline will be worth following, not to mention the amazing songs and dance numbers each week.
The casting is spot on with incredible singers. McPhee belted out “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and Beautiful” while both actresses sang original songs from the musical. One of the producers is the famed Steven Spielberg whose work is a culmination of planning with various other talented producers to bring this story to the small screen.
The excitement surrounding “Smash” is based on how different it is from the typical crime and sitcom shows that dominate prime time, yet it is more grown up than Fox’s success, “Glee”. Instead of having twenty-year olds playing high school students, this type of musical show feels more realistic and has more potential because it is a breath of fresh air.
People who love musicals will welcome this drama easily, but it’s still fun for those who aren’t in tune with the music scene. As long as this show garners enough viewers to stay on air after the network suffered cancelations in the fall, this show might find its niche and the show will go on. Keep watching Mondays at 10 and have front seats to the newest Broadway hit from the comfort of your own couch.