It's a SMASH !!!!!

[jjkrkwood]

OK, so you may have heard the hype about the new Musical/Drama series coming to NBC-TV called Smash. It wont debut for a few weeks, but the premier episode has been posted on the net. Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with SMASH. It left me "breathless".

 

On the surface, its a story about bringing a musical about Marilyn Monroe to Broadway.

The backstory is about the smalltown girl in the Big city who will ultimately get the part and become a SMASH...

 

It has EVERYTHING: Debra Messing, icon Anjelica Houston (who is to THIS show what Jessica Lange was to American Horror Story), Katherine McPhee (the American Idol runner up, now the hometown girl with a dream), Hot men, beautiful dancing boys, original music, drama, glamour, and layered characters.

 

Mcphees family relationship and lovelife, Houtson's divorce, and Messings adoption drama, all serve to add texture to a piece that will ultimately be compared to GLEE, but without the "kitsch".

 

If you have an hour to spare, lose yourself in the Premier episode NOW:

 

http://www.nbc.com/smash/video/special-full-length-preview-episode-1/1380656/

 

It gets 2 thumbs up, and everything else from ME.. Theres a line Debra Messing says around the 13 minute mark which is: "There needs to Be some Size". Thats kinda sums up a life philosophy. Smart girl, Debra.

 

Looks like a SMASH !!!

[+ deej]

NBC is betting the ranch on this. They desperately need a hit. When I first heard about it I wondered where NBC got the sand to develop it, but it turns out the show was actually developed at Showtime.

 

It's the brainchild of Steven Spielberg.

 

We're in there too. Executive producers are Neil Meron and Craig Zadan (Chicago, Hairspray, everything Liza Minnelli has ever done). Marc Shaiman and his partner are writing the songs. It's like musical theater royalty. (That's a partial list. The full list is mind-blowing.)

 

The concept is the drama behind creating a musical for Broadway -- all the conflict between producers, directors, writers, actors, etc. If the show lasts, the plan is to do a new original musical each season.

 

They had me at "you could do a baseball number", and it delivers.

[Irtwo]

wow, JJ, you write like a professional reviewer.

[jjkrkwood]

wow, JJ, you write like a professional reviewer.

 

Shhh Irt, please dont Bust me !

[Bosguy]

Just spent a wonderful period of time watching the preview. I hope it makes it big time!!!! Amazing. I can watch something on TV that doesn't involve cops and robbers or medicine or , worst yet--"reality tv" Don't call me Mondays between 10 and 11!!! Thanks JJK

 

Boston Bill

[+ sf westcoaster]

Wow!!! I loved every minute of that episode. My only concern is, will it appeal to middle America?

[maxwellissmart]

...Anjelica Houston (who is to THIS show what Jessica Lange was to American Horror Story)

 

So it's about a haunted show on Broadway?

[jjkrkwood]

So it's about a haunted show on Broadway?

 

No silly, I was referring to HER as a majectic presence, as Jessica was on AHS. When shes onscreen, you PAY attention.

[maxwellissmart]

No silly, I was referring to HER as a majectic presence, as Jessica was on AHS. When shes onscreen, you PAY attention.

 

Did you "stand up and cheer," like Rex Reed?

[+ deej]

Wow!!! I loved every minute of that episode. My only concern is, will it appeal to middle America?

 

If they only pick up the "Glee" crowd it'll get better ratings than most of the rest of the NBC lineup.

[jjkrkwood]

Did you "stand up and cheer," like Rex Reed?

 

LOL, YUP, and I even did the Gay clap ....

[Guest Spanky]

If they only pick up the "Glee" crowd it'll get better ratings than most of the rest of the NBC lineup.

 

I haven't watched the preview episode, so I am not encumbered with the facts, but my first reaction to the OP was that the whole things sounds like a bargain basement version of Glee.

[+ deej]

I haven't watched the preview episode, so I am not encumbered with the facts, but my first reaction to the OP was that the whole things sounds like a bargain basement version of Glee.

 

Not by a long shot. "SMASH" is fully staging original numbers for a Broadway show. (They're filming them in an old theater in Staten Island.) Glee can't come close to the production values (or talent) in SMASH. And SMASH has, you know, grown ups.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Well I've watched the whole preview and I think it's great. NBC is betting a lot on the show and I think it has a real good shot. I was impressed with the songs and the production numbers, the flashes between the audition and the fully staged versions. I know I'll be watching.

 

Thanks, jjk.

[maxwellissmart]

LOL, YUP, and I even did the Gay clap ....

 

You're Rex Reed, aren't you?

[jackhammer91406]

Also....

 

When speaking of pedigree for this show, one should mention Megan Hilty who performed the role of Glinda here in Los Angeles for almost two years (and later in New York). She also originated the role of Dora Lee in the Broadway Musical version of 9 to 5. I pointed out at the time the show previewed here in L.A. that Megan virtually channeled Dolly Parton in her portrayal. Megan is a very talented performer and I too home this show is a SMASH.

[Phil_musc]

There was a feature on Saturday morning on NPR about this. It sounded pretty good to me. I'll have to watch the preview thing you guys mentioned above. Hope it's as good as Glee!

[foxy]

I've already got it on the DVR. I wish it was on Broadway.

[+ deej]

I've already got it on the DVR. I wish it was on Broadway.

 

It may be, eventually. One of the interviews I read said they hoped that each season they'd end up with a musical they can then run on Broadway. It's certainly a novel concept! At the very least, I'd probably buy it on DVD if it became available. Since they're fully staging (and shooting) each number, it should be feasible.

[justaguy]

I'll watch just about anything with Anjelica Houston in it. She's one of my all time favorite actresses. This looks like a program I'm going to want to watch.

[jjkrkwood]

I haven't watched the preview episode, so I am not encumbered with the facts, but my first reaction to the OP was that the whole things sounds like a bargain basement version of Glee.

 

Hardly bargain basement. the star power and production value alone make it worth the watch. but its also GOOD ! Its like being at a Broadway show without the ticket price.

 

Spanky you have shown that "you cant win em all"....

[jjkrkwood]

You're Rex Reed, aren't you?

 

Shhhhhh Max !

[jjkrkwood]

There was a feature on Saturday morning on NPR about this. It sounded pretty good to me. I'll have to watch the preview thing you guys mentioned above. Hope it's as good as Glee!

 

Phil if you ever trusted me at all, WATCH... It runs circles around Glee, and I LOVE my Glee....

[Phil_musc]

JJ, I have almost always trusted you. I might not always agree with you but I think you're honest in your judgments about culture (and a lot of other stuff too!) I gotta see this!

[+ LIguy]

If you have Verizon Fios then you can view it through NBC On Demand.I loved this show and thought it to be so much better than Glee which I have stopped watching.