SMASH is a new American musical drama based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.
It is based around the creation of a new Broadway production and is being
dubbed the adult version of Glee.
The new production loosely named Marilyn later evolves into the new musical
being named Bombshell after the workshop process. As the production takes shape
everyone involved has to balance their chaotic personal lives with the demands
of musical theatre. It shows a real insight into the hard work that goes on
behind the scenes on Broadway.
Series one has just 15 episodes, and the show has already been signed up to
make a second series. It has had huge success in America and is being well
received in the UK.
With a amazing cast featuring in Smash its sure to be a global success.
Debra Messing, from Will & Grace fame plays Julia Houston. A successful
lyricist and Bombshell's co-writer.
Also Anjelica Huston stars as Eileen Rand,
the musical's producer, she is dealing with divorce proceedings from her
husband which adds drama to the programme and her conflicts with him could
threaten the future of Bombshell.
Stealing the show though are the amazing talents of Katharine McPhee as
Karen Cartwright and Megan Hilty as Ive Lynn. Both competing to play the lead
role of Marilyn. They both bring different elements of the character to their
performances and throughout the running of Smash they each play the role in
various workshops leaving us to decide which girl we like.
Adding to the mix Smash features cameo roles from huge stars such as Uma
Thurman, Nick Jonas and Bernadette Peters.
The music of Smash is fantastic, using current songs to coincide with the
story adding more depth to the drama. Songs that feature include Adele's
Rolling In The Deep, and Red Neck Woman, also listen out for the brilliant
episode where Karen and Ivy sing Rihanna's
Drink To That in Times Square.
Also the amazing songs written especially for the show about Marilyn Monroe
are superb. Our favourites are 'Let Me Be Your Star' and 'Mr & Mrs Smith'.
Catch Smash on Sky Atlantic, Saturdays 10pm
