Smash

Smash, which aired on NBC from 2012 to 2013, is a fascinating television drama series that offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Broadway, from the whispers of a new idea through the thrilling pinnacle of opening night. Built around the frenzied journey of creating a Broadway musical, this show is a distinctive blend of drama and musical theater that provides an intriguing and rare insight into the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

Starring Emmy Award-winner Debra Messing, known for her unforgettable time on Will & Grace, this musical drama series is infused with a parade of Broadway stars and original music. Messing takes on the role of Julia Houston, a successful Broadway lyricist. Julia embarks on the challenging task of creating a musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, alongside her long-time creative partner, Tom Levitt, played by Christian Borle—best known for his Tony-winning performances in Peter and the Starcatcher and Something Rotten.

The drama quickly accelerates when a competition for the lead role ignites between two immensely talented but vastly different actresses. On the one hand, we have the inexperienced Midwestern beauty, Karen Cartwright, wonderfully portrayed by American Idol runner-up and more-recently-established Hollywood name, Katherine McPhee. On the other hand, seasoned Broadway actress Ivy Lynn, played by Tony-nominated Megan Hilty of Wicked fame, has all the experience and is just waiting for that one big break.

At the helm of the show is Eileen Rand, a tenacious Broadway producer, played by Academy Award winner Anjelica Huston. She is resolute in seeing "Bombshell," their Marilyn Monroe musical, come to fruition. As the characters navigate their complicated personal lives while keeping their professional dreams afloat, they form a multi-dimensional ensemble that's as engaging and colorful as Broadway itself.

Smash stands out not merely as an engaging drama, but a moving homage to Broadway theater itself while simultaneously serving a fiercely unique plotline. Their musical revue "Bombshell" forms the storyline's backbone, but more than just a musical within a TV show, "Bombshell" forms a parallel narrative tackling love, ambition, fame, and heartbreak, echoing the real lives of the characters creating it.

The series explores aspirations, passion, and the relentless pursuit of dreams with an almost infectious energy, capturing the essence of the Broadway world in a splash of drama, music, and overload performances. It engrossingly depicts the myriad of trials faced by actors, writers, directors, and producers alike, varied and multi-faceted, yet tied together by a common thread of undeterred passion, gritty determination, and audacious creativity.

Creating an innovative fusion of reality and fiction, the show features original scores that punctuate the plot, turning scenes into full-blown musical numbers performed by the incredibly talented cast. With music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman—the duo responsible for the Tony-winning Hairspray—the tunes harmoniously express the characters' emotions, acting as integral plot devices.

Further enhancing the musical theatre realism, Smash also showcases beautiful choreography by Joshua Bergasse, who beautifully translates the energy of Broadway dancing onto the small screen. Transitioning from intimate, poignant moments to joyous, crowd-filled grand finales, Bergasse's choreography is a spectacle in itself, giving Smash a unique edge over other television dramas.

Smash is not merely a show—it's an experience. It's an on-screen musical journey that artfully combines the elements of performance, drama, and the stunning, complex world of Broadway. Extravagantly executed, this series is peppered with guest appearances from showbiz luminaries like Bernadette Peters, Uma Thurman, and Nick Jonas, adding more star-power to the bright lights of Smash's Broadway.

From the last-minute script revisions and friction-filled auditions to the very moment the curtain lifts, Smash offers viewers a genuine taste of the anticipation, dedication, and exhilaration that comes with producing a Broadway musical - all told through a medley of unforgettable characters and a sparkling original score. These complex elements, woven together, form the vibrant, tantalizing tapestry that is Smash. A musical drama that avid fans continue to consider one of the best portrayals of the theatrical world on prime-time television.