I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from NBC's "˜Smash'. I knew Steven Spielberg,
in addition to several Broadway producers, were attached, but I wasn't sure if
it would end up being anything other than a well filmed pilot with a mediocre
plot.
The show follows a veritable bevy of characters through a
variety of situations, all dealing with surviving the "˜industry' in New York
City. There's the seasoned chorus girl hoping for her big break; a dedicated playwright
trying to juggle her family and career; a newcomer hoping to show her parents
she has what it takes to be a star; and a woman in the midst of a divorce and
trying to remain strong.
The plot, so far as the pilot is concerned, follows two
playwrights as they travel the minefield of casting and producing a musical
that hasn't even been completely written, all due to the (mostly) unintentional
meddling of one of the playwright's assistants.
"˜Smash' looks like
a "˜Glee' for adults and Broadway enthusiasts. The cast is phenomenal with Oscar
winner Anjelica Houston, Emmy winner Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Broadway
star Megan Hilty, and American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee, who can
apparently act (who knew?).
In addition to the whole musical thing, there seems to be
some intrigue and some definite drama involved"”it is theater, after all. Despite my initial skepticism, I look
forward to following this show and seeing where it all goes. By the time you
get to the end of the first episode, there's no going back.
"˜Smash' airs on Monday nights at 10/9c on NBC.
