A new stage version of the NBC tv series Smash is officially in development with Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron on board as lead producers.
The plot of the Broadway bound musical will follow the main story of the tv series which chronicled writers Julia and Tom and actors Ivy and Karen’s attempt to mount a new musical, Bombshell, about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Further plot details and song list are being kept firmly under wraps however at least one of the Smash songs – “Let Me Be Your Star” – is confirmed to return for the musical,
Developed from an original idea by Stephen Spielberg the series featured a mix of Broadway, TV and film stars including Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Jack Davenport (Coupling), Katharine McPhee (who originated the role of Jenna in Waitress in the West End), Jeremy Jordan (Newsies), Megan Hilty (Glinda in Wicked), Christian Borle (Something Rotten!, Legally Blonde), Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton) and Angelica Huston (The Addams Family).
Though the short-lived tv-series ran for only 32 episodes it has since developed a cult-like status. In 2015, a one-night-only Broadway concert version of the fictional musical Bombshell sold out within 15-minutes of going on-sale.
A never-aired film of that concert, featuring performers from the TV cast, was streamed as an Actors Fund benefit this week.
The stage production will feature tunes by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (who were also responsible for all the TV series numbers) with a book by Bob Martin (The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone) and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family, The Cher Show), and choreography by Joshua Bergasse (who was also attached to the TV show).
Premiere dates have yet to be announced.
