Image Credit: Will Hart/NBC
NBC knows what you’re all thinking: Smash is just a ripoff of Glee, right? Well, star Debra Messing has something to say about that. “I think Glee is extraordinary and original and fabulous,” the Will & Grace actress told EW after NBC’s presentation to advertisers Monday. The drama will bow on the Peacock’s 2011-12 midseason schedule. “I think Smash is similar in that there is singing, but I think that’s where the similarities end. Glee is a comedy and ours is a drama. And Glee is in a fantastic sort of elevated world and Smash is completely naturalistic, a very real look at life in New York as an actor, producer, composer, lyricist, what have you.”
The drama, which also stars Anjelica Huston, Jack Davenport, and Katharine McPhee, is about a cross-section of characters who come together to put on a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe. Messing plays a lyricist who, together with her husband, are supposed to be taking a break from Broadway to adopt a baby when they get the idea for a musical.
“Glee does music that was already made, and we have original Broadway music being composed for us by a Tony-Award winning lyricist and composer,” Messing explained. “So every episode there will be a new song. It’s about the making of a musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. So the music will be focused on that project. There will be a reason for the song.
“I think that it’s so exciting,” she continued. “I think it looks so beautiful. It’s shot like a film. All the characters … there’s something universal about somebody who is unknown and has nothing and is trying to fulfill their dreams. It’s like Rocky. And, of course, to have these two magnificent voices, from Katharine [McPhee] and Megan [Hilty], I was levitating by the end of [the promo].”
this looks amazing !!!!!! can’t wait to this!!
It looks very promising. And I’m happy to see Debra Messing back, question is how long before her old W&G cast members are begging for a guest spot?
Megan Mullally doesn’t beg for roles, certainly not in a musical. They’ll be asking for her.
Yeah, okay because the opportunities have just been pouring in since W&G.
Megan had a talk show, was in Young Frankenstein (broadway), was in Children’s Hospital, and still randomly pops up as a guest star. The cast of w&g are hard workers and definately still working.
This does look rather good. Far better than frickin’ Glee.
but wait – it’s NBC – Nothing But Crap….. or Noteworthy, But Canceled…. Notorious Baloney Continuously ….. etc.
Amen.
If it makes you feel better, this was originally going to be a Showtime show. The pres of showtime brought it over with him when he moved over to NBC.
Thumbs up!
While the premise sounds very interesting I’m wondering how they’re going to string this out for 22 episodes? And if they’re lucky, additional seasons.
I read in an interview that they plan to have a completely new original musical to develop in each subsequent season if they are so lucky.
That was my question – how long does it take to put a musical on from start to finish?
Didn’t Messing’s character say in that preview above that they’re gonna be in production for years? I’m guessing that’s how they’re gonna work it… probably half a season of just casting, two seasons of rehearsals, staging, choreography, maybe it’ll finally ‘make it’ to Broadway by season three or four? Or, as Vixela says, they’ll create a new show each season; it’s not unheard of for a design team (producer/lyricist/director/composer) to work with the same actors on multiple projects so they could keep the core cast intact. As KeeKeeDee said, there are really endless possibilities for character development and behind-the-scenes drama that can keep them occupied for years probably!
It’s coming mid season. So the first season will probably only be about 12 episodes. I can see this lasting and the long term potential in it. Once the show is up and running, there will be obviously be more drama behind the scenes. I’m hoping for a good four seasons from this.
Interesting.
just another glee wannabe
Not really; other than the music I don’t see any similarities. And how many other “Glee wannabes” are out there anyway?
based on that preview, I would have to agree with Debra Messing, the only similarity between Glee and Smash is that there is singing in both. Debra mentioned reasons why the two shows are not the same, where are your reasons to claim that smash is a glee wannabe?
So?
It really looks fantastic! I agree – shot like a movie. Very interesting. And how beautiful is Katherine McPhee?
Looks great!!! I just love Megan Hilty and Debra Messing!
Loved…Loved…Loved that and can’t wait until the series starts…wish it was not waiting until mid-season.
LOVE IT!
Looks nice..but what will they do in season 2 and 3..this looks like a ONE season show..
Why do people always say this about shows? Shows are about characters and the situations they’re in. Producers, actors and singers in NYC…endless storyline possibilities.
I had chills at the end of the promo. I think this has great potential, especially considering my enthusiasm for Glee has been waning lately.
As an adult, sometimes Glee is just too weird and not funny so I am looking foreward to Smash as a different type of musical show.
Looks amazing!
This looks interesting and I will definitely give it a shot. I’m so over Glee now after this lackluster season.
I was not a fan of Katharina McPhee when she was on Idol, but she comes across well in the promo.
This looks f*cking amazing! (can’t stand Glee, btw)
agreed. Glee is poorly written. The writing is inconsistent and poorly developed. Based on the preview, it looks like Smash will actually be a well thought out series. although as mentioned by another poster, I do wonder how it will extend into a second season.
That promo blew me away. I was REALLY skeptical until I saw it. But, I think it will indeed be a SMASH!