Budiey
Spielberg’s SMASH hit
Impressive credentials have set SMASH up to be the crème de la crème of musical dramas right from the start. The brainchild of Steven Spielberg, SMASH has been winning praise synonymous to its title, since its US premiere early last month.
Joining the legendary director on the board of Executive Producers are Oscar-winning producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron; the duo who produced the internationally-acclaimed musicals, Hairspray and Chicago. Theresa Rebeck, an acclaimed and widely produced playwright whose newest play, Seminar is currently playing on Broadway, is an Executive Producer of SMASH. Rebeck’s extensive television credits include NYPD Blue and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Supported by a stellar cast, SMASH tells a story of the inner-makings of Broadway – of its politics, struggles, and rewards.
Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston stars as Eileen Rand, a tough-as-nails Broadway producer looking to create the next smash hit – a musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Sharing her aspiration is song-writing duo, played by Emmy winner, Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and Christian Borle (Legally Blonde: The Musical).
Jack Davenport (Flash Forward) portrays a brilliant musical director whose blasé and womanising character reveals the ugly truth of how much one is willing to compromise to become a Broadway starlet.
Katharine McPhee makes her acting debut with a lead role in SMASH. The American Idol runner-up plays Karen Cartwright, a waitress in New York City hungry for her talent to be discovered in Broadway. In the pilot episode, Mcphee sings a cover of Christina Aguilera’s “I am Beautiful”, which earns her a call-back for the role of Marilyn.
In order to land her first big break, Karen Cartwright must pit against Ivy Lynn, an experienced Broadway singer. The story plot is not far from reality; Megan Hilty, who plays Ivy Lynn in SMASH, has starred as “Glinda” in the musical Wicked.
The two will belt out songs from Marilyn Monroe, Blondie, Carrie Underwood and Rihanna, to name a few, to fight for that coveted Broadway stardom.
Going beyond cover songs, viewers will enjoy original songs composed by Grammy-winning, Scott Wittman (Saturday Night Live), and Tony, Grammy, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated maestro, Marc Shaiman.
SMASH premieres on 19th March, on DIVA Universal (Astro Channel 702), on Mondays @ 9pm.
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