SMASH fans Rejoice - Season #2 on Its Way !

[jjkrkwood]

For those of you that have become adickted to SMASH - the new NBC musical drama about Broadway, time to Rejoice. After so-so ratings, but critical aclaim, the show has been RENEWED for Season 2.

 

Could it be the The appearance of legend Bernadette Peters gave the show the shot of adrenalin it needed ??? Lets hope so, enuf so to bring Mama Rose BACK !

 

Still LOVE this show. Its a FUN and entertaining watch.

[ErieBear]

I've been watching, and enjoying it, but I really wish it were more about the music and less about the drama.

[jjkrkwood]

I've been watching, and enjoying it, but I really wish it were more about the music and less about the drama.

 

Well the music is the secondary character to the story. I think it is incorporated well and supports the storyline, pretty much like a dramatic version of Glee.

[+ purplekow]

I agree that the music is well incorporated but as opposed to Glee, where people seem to be singing in unexpected places, in Smash, they have so far only been singing in appropriate places such as at rehearsals, at a party, at a karaoke bar, at a Bar mitzvah. The story line could be taken down a notch, as the lead women seem expecially insecure, but I guess the nature of the actress in this show is to be a bit over the top.

As for me, I would go see Marilyn, if it were playing on Broadway now. I have enjoyed most of the songs and I have been moved by some of the scenes.

[jjkrkwood]

I agree that the music is well incorporated but as opposed to Glee, where people seem to be singing in unexpected places, in Smash, they have so far only been singing in appropriate places such as at rehearsals, at a party, at a karaoke bar, at a Bar mitzvah. The story line could be taken down a notch, as the lead women seem expecially insecure, but I guess the nature of the actress in this show is to be a bit over the top.

As for me, I would go see Marilyn, if it were playing on Broadway now. I have enjoyed most of the songs and I have been moved by some of the scenes.

 

Keep in mind that Marilyn was herself one of the MOST insecure women, therefore I think mirroring that in the lead characters is inspired.

 

As Ivy said to her mom, Bernandette Peters, "Marilyns mom never Loved her, and you never loved me".... How appropriate.!

[+ LIguy]

Maybe bring in Betty Buckley as Ivy's aunt?

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

Great news! It is the only show I have programmed to record on my DVR.

 

They've done a great job slowly introducing songs and adding them in with choreography so that the musical numbers are still feeling fresh.

[jackboy48]

I thought that the first episode was so well done, that I was very dissappointed when the following episodes were not of the same caliber. The whole Debra Messing storyline is just a big ugly mess, and I can't believe that Bernadette Peters stooped to playing such a cliche and sang something so predictable, though she did it well. Actually I am enjoying the series, and it is a big improvement from the usual TV fare.

[+ Cash4Trash]

Note that Theresa Rebeck, the show runner and Executive Producer will not be running the show next season. Seems a shakeup is under way.

 

http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/03/smash-creator-theresa-rebeck-step-down-showrunner-after-first-season

 

Many feel it would be a much better show if it focused on what it takes to put a musical together and dropped the soap opera.

[+ deej]

Note that Rebeck is one of nine executive producers on the show. One voice in the chorus, as it were. (It's an illustrious roster which includes Steven Spielberg.)

 

Going into the series, they said up front it was a drama about the people who put on a musical and now people are complaining that it's a drama about the people who put on a musical. They won't win this any direction they turn.

 

In one interview, Rebeck said they hadn't decided where they'd go in the second season. The current season ends with "Marilyn" opening in Boston for its road tryout. The second season may focus on bringing the show to Broadway itself, and may or may not introduce an entirely new musical.

 

I'll be watching either way.

[jjkrkwood]

Note that Rebeck is one of nine executive producers on the show. One voice in the chorus, as it were. (It's an illustrious roster which includes Steven Spielberg.)

 

Going into the series, they said up front it was a drama about the people who put on a musical and now people are complaining that it's a drama about the people who put on a musical. They won't win this any direction they turn.

 

In one interview, Rebeck said they hadn't decided where they'd go in the second season. The current season ends with "Marilyn" opening in Boston for its road tryout. The second season may focus on bringing the show to Broadway itself, and may or may not introduce an entirely new musical.

 

I'll be watching either way.

 

As originally conceived. the plan was to have each season focus on the Birth of a completely NEW play bound for Broadway, very much in the style that American Horror Story is going by having each season present a new dilemna, a new location and a largely new cast.

 

IF Debra Messing does in fact fire her boyfriend, that should put an end to THAT distracting storyline, which IMO was the only chink in th chain.... I would like to see more of GAY actting but supposedly STR* assistant, and see whether he ends up working for Anjelic Houston? That could be interesting. And I definitely want to see more of Katherine McPhees hunky BF...

[+ Cash4Trash]

Theresa Rebeck remains as one one of the 9 executive producers but leaves as the show runner.

[unsub2O17]

Does anyone else think that they may actually combine this material into a Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe??

[+ deej]

Marc Shaiman has said they'd like very much to do that, but since the songs were written to advance the story of the TV show it would take a lot of re-work.

[jjkrkwood]

Was anyone suprised by Ellis revealing his GAY side in this weeks episode ? Or was he just "Gay for Pay ?

[+ deej]

I think the word is "ambitious". And a little unscrupulous, which we knew already.

[jjkrkwood]

I think the word is "ambitious". And a little unscrupulous, which we knew already.

 

Maybe, but he struck me as GAY from the start, and his attempts at lovemaking with his girlfriend always seemed awkward and made me laugh.

[Mark450]

Not a fan of this show. The premise was interesting but just doesn't hold my attention. It's usually on in the background. Sticking around just til the end of this season.

[jjkrkwood]

So we're coming down the home stretch for Season 1. Who do you think makes the best Marilyn ? Megan Hilty, Katerine McPhee or Uma Thurman ????

 

and what is the bartenders REAL motive ? Is he into Angelica Houston or just her suspected Fortune ???

 

What will become of sleazeball Ellis ???

 

does the composer hookup with the black backup chorusboy ?

 

I dont really care about Julias marriage, but the son is adorable....

[jackhammer91406]

through the looking glass

 

This show has been a real trip for me. Having spent most of my career in live theater, this show has been like looking in a memory book of my life. Most everything rings very true to me. I also have to say that the original songs that Marc Shaiman and his lover/partner have written for the show are very good.

 

I like the performances and how the characters have been given more attention and personality as the weeks have gone by.

 

I am also very glad NBC has stuck with the show (although with their schedule it's not like they have a number of alternatives).

 

My good buddy came from the desert to visit me this past weekend and he had not seen any of the episodes all the way through, so I started him out on the premier (yes I have them all TiVo'ed). He liked it so we watched another and before you knew it over two days we had watched all but two. I think he might like the show.

 

Glad I had a chance to see them all again.

 

As for the question of who makes the best Marilyn, I gotta go with Megan Hilty, but Katherine does a great job in many ways as well.

And as for Ellis (the guy you love to hate) I feel sorry for that actor cause he will always be identified as this weasel (or is it snake?) He is pretty good.

They are all good.

[adriano46]

I sat through most of last night's episode, but for me -- not coming from any background whatsoever in Broadway or stage -- I find the story line cloyingly too drama filled. Every relationship (EVERY ONE OF THEM) is flawed and filled with deception and betrayal. That is not the world I live in, but perhaps it is the world of Broadway. My original point of enjoying how they avoided the GLEE cliche' of breaking into songs and dances at the oddest times is now gone as they try to throw in numbers for no reason at all (IMHO). I find, after I finally turned it OFF last night, that there are few characters on the show that I find even remotely likeable aside from the one played by Katherine McPhee -- and am deeply disappointed in how the storyline has gone for her boyfriend -- more unnecessary drama.

[jjkrkwood]

I sat through most of last night's episode, but for me -- not coming from any background whatsoever in Broadway or stage -- I find the story line cloyingly too drama filled. Every relationship (EVERY ONE OF THEM) is flawed and filled with deception and betrayal. That is not the world I live in, but perhaps it is the world of Broadway. My original point of enjoying how they avoided the GLEE cliche' of breaking into songs and dances at the oddest times is now gone as they try to throw in numbers for no reason at all (IMHO). I find, after I finally turned it OFF last night, that there are few characters on the show that I find even remotely likeable aside from the one played by Katherine McPhee -- and am deeply disappointed in how the storyline has gone for her boyfriend -- more unnecessary drama.

 

As a judge recently said on Ru Pauls Drag Race - "I have NO interest in REAL"..... I would have to agree. I lead a REAL life, but when I lie in my bed to relax, I want a bit of the Unreal and escape.... I enjoy the drama, and "flawed" characters are some of the most interesting... If the storylines were Mundane, would you even tune in to watch ? I wouldnt.... I really enjoy seeing how the characters deal with their challenges, or NOT !. Wonder what the Nielsen family has to say about it ???

[adriano46]

JJ - thanks -- if it is any insight, I watch each week such "REAL" shows as: REVENGE, THE MIDDLE, PERSON OF INTEREST, MISSING, COUGAR, HAWAII 5-0; SUBURBAGORY, MODERN FAMILY, GBC, and over the summer was watching every episode of CHAOS, SUITS, FRANKLIN and BASH, and every TORCHWOOD episode I can find.

 

Most are escapist, some drama, but the difference for me is that even in these crazy plots and twists and strange characters in the shows mentioned, the characters are (generally) likeable. While I am a HUGE fan of anything and everything Angelica Houston, and watched every episode of WILL & GRACE so have always enjoyed Debra Messing, I just find that to keep this going, there ahve been way too many twists and turns. Perhaps I had hoped it would have been a series with- say - 5-6 episodes per show it mounted. Then the writers would not have been pushed to the limits in inventing so many almost surreal plot twists.

 

And I have to confess, while I have always enjoyed Bernadette Peters, I turned off the episode where she broke into "There's no business like show business.." talk of a bad cliche'! And sadly, on my TV it came across loud and almost flat, but I will blame that on the TV sound, and not Ms Peters.

[jjkrkwood]

JJ - thanks -- if it is any insight, I watch each week such "REAL" shows as: REVENGE, THE MIDDLE, PERSON OF INTEREST, MISSING, COUGAR, HAWAII 5-0; SUBURBAGORY, MODERN FAMILY, GBC, and over the summer was watching every episode of CHAOS, SUITS, FRANKLIN and BASH, and every TORCHWOOD episode I can find.

 

Most are escapist, some drama, but the difference for me is that even in these crazy plots and twists and strange characters in the shows mentioned, the characters are (generally) likeable. While I am a HUGE fan of anything and everything Angelica Houston, and watched every episode of WILL & GRACE so have always enjoyed Debra Messing, I just find that to keep this going, there ahve been way too many twists and turns. Perhaps I had hoped it would have been a series with- say - 5-6 episodes per show it mounted. Then the writers would not have been pushed to the limits in inventing so many almost surreal plot twists.

 

And I have to confess, while I have always enjoyed Bernadette Peters, I turned off the episode where she broke into "There's no business like show business.." talk of a bad cliche'! And sadly, on my TV it came across loud and almost flat, but I will blame that on the TV sound, and not Ms Peters.

 

Adriano, I think you just need to "let yourself go" when watching and buy into it. I too love Anjelica, but feel in this she comes off a bit wooden and comical. Iafterall, how many martinis can you really toss in one day ???? And I believe they have bought familiar icons onto the show for some familiarity. Bernadette is like an old family Aunty that breaks out in song at every family function... Sure, some of it, actually alot of it is over the top, but I think thats what they are going for ? I mean if you really want to beat out a timeslot that has the Real Housewives, you have to BRING IT !!!!

[adriano46]

JJ that's why I continue to watch it, despite my misgivings -- what is on at that time slot to compete?? I wish I was back in my martini-drinking days so I could have a pitcher standing by and each time Angelica throws one, I down one. Maybe it would help! (I always found her character in Prizzi's Honor one of the funniest I had ever seen, pure genius.)

 

OK JJ -- I will keep watching it.