{"id":118348,"date":"2025-04-11T03:19:42","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T03:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/revisit-of-smash-does-it-fulfill-a-13-year-longing\/"},"modified":"2025-04-11T03:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T03:19:42","slug":"revisit-of-smash-does-it-fulfill-a-13-year-longing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/revisit-of-smash-does-it-fulfill-a-13-year-longing\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Revisit of ‘Smash’: Does It Fulfill a 13-Year Longing?’"},"content":{"rendered":"

What unique qualities set apart "Smash The Musical" from its television predecessor? How do the creative team\u2019s backgrounds influence the production\u2019s direction and goals? In what ways does the adaptation fail to meet the expectations of diehard fans of the original series? What themes and character traits are explored through the portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in this new musical?<\/strong><\/p>\n

When the Broadway-themed drama Smash<\/em> began its two-season run on NBC in 2012, the entire theater industry, it seemed then, was entranced. The lingo, the faces, the concerns \u2013 all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz. Even with the series\u2019 quick decline in quality and ratings, some sort of stage adaptation came to seem inevitable.<\/p>\n

Thirteen years later, Smash The Musical<\/em> arrives on Broadway with some of the most talented creatives and actors working today. More inspired by<\/em> than based on<\/em>, more fan fiction or parody than homage, the production opening tonight at the Imperial Theatre is more oddity than anything else.<\/p>\n

Possibly too dissimilar in detail and tone from the series to please diehard fans \u2013 and they must be out there somewhere \u2013 yet relying on a nostalgia, however newly minted, that likely won\u2019t exist in the general population (Boop<\/em>, anyone?) Smash The Musical<\/em> isn\u2019t even as it confounds at least as often as it pleases.<\/p>\n

Directed by the great Susan Stroman, a five-time Tony winner with The Producers<\/em> to her credit, a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the duo behind, among others, Hairspray<\/em> and the woefully underappreciated Some Like It Hot<\/em>, Smash<\/em> includes a book by Rick Elice (the unstoppable Jersey Boys<\/em>) and Bob Martin, whose work on the delightful, theater-themed The Prom<\/em> promised great things for the musical-within-a-musical project opening tonight.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not that the musical all goes wrong, exactly. With a cast as good as this one \u2013 Robyn Hurder, The Prom<\/em>\u2018s Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann and the invaluable Kristine Nielsen, just for starters \u2013 Smash<\/em> is thoroughly watchable from start to rather overlong finish. Unlike the series, there isn\u2019t the precipitous drop in quality that so alienated many of the original\u2019s early fans. Instead, Smash The Musical<\/em> starts just well enough, and stays there.<\/p>\n

The musical excises all but one storyline from the series. Gone are the soapy entanglements of what was essentially a drama, turning only the main plot \u2013 about the making of a musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe \u2013 into a broadly-played Broadway cartoon. That\u2019s an idea that could work \u2013 Death Becomes Her<\/em> did pretty much the same trick, albeit with a movie as inspiration, and is one of the best musicals currently on Broadway. Smash<\/em>, well, isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The terrific Hurder plays Ivy Lynn, the (initially) sweet-natured Broadway star cast in a musical called Bombshell<\/em>, a feel-good depiction of Monroe\u2019s life that pointedly will not<\/em> end with, as the enthusiastic if ever-panicked director Nigel puts it, \u201cMarilyn lying in her bed naked and dead wrapped in a white satin sheet!\u201d That\u2019s not exactly a joke line, but with Nigel\u2019s portrayer the always funny Brooks Ashmanskas delivering it, it might as well be.<\/p>\n

When Bombshell<\/em>\u2018s well-meaning book writer and lyricist Tracy (Krysta Rodriguez) gifts Ivy a book detailing Monroe\u2019s devotion to The Actors Studio and The Method, trouble looms. \u201cIf I ever see you giving books to an actor again,\u201d scolds Nigel, \u201cI will replace you. With an app.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soon enough, the lovable, friend-to-all Ivy takes The Method to heart, insisting on being addressed only as Marilyn and taking on all the worst personality traits of the doomed movie star. She shows up late for work, pops uppers like candy, treats her crew and castmates, including best friend and understudy Karen (Caroline Bowman, great belter), like garbage and even hires an on-set, very intrusive acting coach (Nielsen, witch-cloaked in black as an exaggerated spin on Monroe\u2019s real-life teacher Paula Strasberg).<\/p>\n

Mutiny is inevitable, and soon enough Ivy is voted out and replaced with understudy Karen, who has the misfortune of eating a laxative-laced cupcake meant for Ivy and blows, so to speak, the show\u2019s first performance before an invited audience. Enter associate director Chloe (Bella Coppola), a former actress with a terrific singing voice whose body size, she\u2019s been told repeatedly, isn\u2019t compatible with the career of a leading lady.<\/p>\n

Guess who steps in and knocks \u2019em dead at the dress rehearsal?<\/p>\n

So now Smash<\/em> has at least one too many possible Marilyns, and whatever plot or best friend versus best friend conflict the \u201creal\u201d show has been building falls apart and doesn\u2019t recover. Jokes that aren\u2019t particularly funny in the first place are repeated endlessly, like Ivy\u2019s pill-popping, the increasingly problematic drinking of composer (and Tracy\u2019s husband) Jerry (John Behlmann), Nigel\u2019s tantrums and the boss-underling banter between the grand, been-there-done-that producer Anita (a regal Jacqueline B. Arnold) and her wiseguy know-nothing Gen Z assistant Scott (Nicholas Matos).<\/p>\n

If the book falters, the production numbers \u2013 some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch<\/em>\u2018s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl\u2019s Best Friend bit \u2013 are suitably flashy. Series fans will know most of the tunes \u2013 \u201cLet Me Be Your Star,\u201d \u201cThe National Pastime,\u201d \u201cSecond Hand White Baby Grand,\u201d \u201cLet\u2019s Be Bad,\u201d among others \u2013 and if few of the songs leave a lasting impression, all are well-performed and convincingly sung.<\/p>\n

Joshua Bergasse, who choreographed the series, does the same here, to good effect. While the set seems a bit on the chintzy side, scenic designer Beowulf Boritt does his usual stellar work, assisted immensely by Ken Billington\u2019s full-of-pizzazz lighting design. Alejo Vietti\u2019s costume design is fine if unremarkable except for where it counts: The Marilyn outfits are terrific.<\/p>\n

Perhaps most perplexing about Smash<\/em>, though, is its weirdly cynical, ungenerous take on the Bombshell herself. For a musical, and a musical within a musical, that gives lip service to her cultural value, Smash<\/em> The Musical<\/em> treats Monroe as a perpetual punchline. Ivy-as-Marilyn is an inconsiderate, amphetamine guzzling faux-intellectual whose devotion to the acting craft is presented as a vainglorious affectation. This Marilyn is without even a smidge of the sweetness and vulnerability that features in even the most cliched takes on the icon. Hurder does her best with what she\u2019s given, but we leave Smash<\/em> The Musical<\/em> baffled as to what all the fuss was about. <\/p>\n

Title:<\/strong> Smash<\/em>
\nVenue:<\/strong> Broadway\u2019s Imperial Theatre
\nDirector:<\/strong> Susan Stroman
\nBook:<\/strong> Bob Martin
\nMusic:<\/strong> Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
\nChoreography:<\/strong> Joshua Bergasse
\nCast:<\/strong> Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann, Kristine Nielsen, Caroline Bowman, Jacqueline B. Arnold, Bella Coppola, Casey Garvin, Nicholas Matos, Megan Kane, with Wendi Bergamini, Sarah Bowden, Jacob Burns, Deanna Cudjoe, Chelle Denton, Daniel Gaymon, Merritt David Janes, Ndaya Dream Hoskins, David Paul Kidder, Ian Liberto, Libby Lloyd, McGee Maddox, Connor McRory, J Savage, Jake Trammel, and Katie Webber.
\nRunning time:<\/strong> 2 hr 30 min (including intermission)<\/p>\n

"Smash" Broadway Review: A 13-Year Itch Scratched?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the landscape of modern Broadway, where shows often emerge from the glitz of television, it\u2019s no surprise that the cult favorite series "Smash" has taken center stage. Originally airing from 2012 to 2013, the show explored the chaotic world of musical theater, complete with ambitious dreamers, backstabbing alliances, and the constant pursuit of a Broadway hit. After years of speculation and anticipation, the show’s transformation into a Broadway musical has finally arrived, igniting both nostalgia and curiosity among fans and theatergoers alike. Does "Smash: The Musical" deliver on the promise of its source material, or does it falter under the weight of high expectations?<\/p>\n

"Smash" follows the journey of an ambitious team attempting to create a new musical centered around the life of Marilyn Monroe. The series captivated viewers with its engrossing storylines, lush musical numbers, and the complexities of the characters involved in the often ruthless theater industry. For those who tuned in weekly, the show felt like a love letter to Broadway itself, celebrating the art form while simultaneously exposing its darker underbelly. However, turning a television series into a Broadway musical is no small feat; fans wondered whether "Smash" could capture the magic of its predecessor while standing on its own merits.<\/p>\n

The production opens with a flurry of excitement, setting the stage for an ambitious reimagination of the characters and plotlines that audiences loved. Directed by the acclaimed duo of Steven Spielberg and Marc Shaiman, the musical stays true to the essence of the original while introducing new songs and reworked compositions that reflect a deeper emotional range. The cast features powerhouse performances from both seasoned Broadway veterans and rising stars, infusing the show with vibrancy and energy.<\/p>\n

One of the most impressive aspects of "Smash" is its ability to translate the original show’s dramatic tension into a live theater format. The characters, including Ivy Lynn and Karen Cartwright, portrayed with finesse by the talented leads, feel as real and compelling as they did on-screen. The inherent rivalry, filled with ambition and self-doubt, resonates in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The choreography, masterminded by a talented team, captures the essence of the intense rehearsals, the exhilarating auditions, and the overwhelming pressures of Broadway itself, while also delivering jaw-dropping dance sequences that leave the audience in awe.<\/p>\n

The musical’s score also shines, capturing the spirit of the original series. Iconic songs like "Let Me Be Your Star" and new compositions inspired by the show’s premise resonate emotionally, drawing laughter, tears, and cheers from the audience. Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s music is both catchy and poignant, drawing on classic Broadway motifs while giving them a modern twist. The melodies are beautifully complemented by intricate harmonies and lush orchestrations that enhance the overall experience, making it clear that this is a celebration of Broadway itself.<\/p>\n

Yet, amidst the applause, "Smash" raises questions about nostalgia and modernity. While fans of the show will rejoice in the familiar storylines and beloved characters, newcomers might find themselves at a disadvantage, grappling with the show’s extensive references and backstory. The musical relies heavily on audience familiarity with the television series, which could limit its appeal to a wider theater-going audience. This balancing act between catering to passionate fans and attracting new viewers is a challenge that "Smash" faces throughout its run.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the pacing of the show occasionally feels rushed, particularly in the first act, where exposition battles with the need to set up dazzling numbers. Some audience members may find certain character arcs underdeveloped or certain plot points glossed over in the excitement to hit musical high notes. Yet, this could also be seen as an opportunity for growth in future performances.<\/p>\n

The rendition of "Smash" on Broadway serves as a satisfying itch-scratcher for the show’s loyal fanbase. It pays homage to the spirit of a series that inspired a generation of theater lovers, while also committing to the artistry of live performance. It encapsulates the highs and lows of pursuing one’s dreams in the unforgiving world of Broadway, delivering an experience that is both reflective and entertaining.<\/p>\n

As "Smash: The Musical" continues to embrace its journey on the Great White Way, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Broadway. It celebrates the endless possibilities of storytelling and the magic of live performance, reminding us why we fell in love with theater in the first place. Whether it becomes iconic in its own right or remains a cherished taste of nostalgia, "Smash" ultimately leaves us with a song in our hearts and a renewed excitement for the ever-evolving world of Broadway.<\/p>\n

“Smash,” the Broadway adaptation of the beloved NBC series, brings to the stage a dazzling blend of drama, music, and the ever-compelling quest for fame. With its roots in the glitzy world of musical theater, the production captures the essence of creativity, ambition, and the struggles faced by those in the spotlight.<\/p>\n

The narrative follows the journey of aspiring performers as they navigate the highs and lows of theater life, from auditions to opening night. The storyline plays with themes of rivalry and collaboration, showcasing the intricate relationships that form amidst the pressures of the industry. Audiences are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to create art, with all the chaos and passion that entails.<\/p>\n

Musically, “Smash” does not disappoint. It features a captivating score, blending original songs with well-known musical standards. The choreography is equally impressive, with dynamic dance numbers that enhance the emotional weight of the performances. The talented cast delivers powerful vocal performances, leaving the audience enthralled by their range and charisma.<\/p>\n

Visually, the production shines with stunning set designs and vibrant costumes that transport viewers straight into the heart of Broadway. The use of innovative lighting and stage technology adds a modern flair, creating immersive experiences that resonate with theatergoers.<\/p>\n

Overall, “Smash” serves as a love letter to the world of musicals, striking a chord with anyone who has ever dreamed of stepping into the limelight. It balances moments of humor and heartache, ensuring that audiences feel the full spectrum of emotion throughout the performance. Whether you are a fan of the original series or new to the story, “Smash” offers an exhilarating journey that captures the essence of Broadway’s magic.<\/p>\n

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