Smash (NBC 2012, Debra Messing, Christian Borle)

Smash is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a Smash.

The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe, written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing).

Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds ; and stage veteran (Megan Hilty), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break.

A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston) discovers the Marilyn project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport) whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg.

Original songs were written by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who also served as executive producers.

production details
USA | NBC – DreamWorks Television – Universal Television | 32×44 minute | Broadcast 6 February 2012 – 26 May 2013

Craig Zadan as Executive Producer
Darryl Frank as Executive Producer
Justin Falvey as Executive Producer
Marc Shaiman as Executive Producer
Michael Mayer as Director of pilot
Neil Meron as Executive Producer
Scott Wittman as Executive Producer
Steven Spielberg as Executive Producer
Theresa Rebeck as Creator/Executive Producer

cast
Anjelica Huston as Eileen Rand
Jaime Cepero as Ellis Boyd
Jack Davenport as Derek Wills
Debra Messing as Julia Houston
Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn
Christian Borle as Tom Levitt
Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright
Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Strickland
Jeremy Jordan as Jimmy Collins
Andy Mientus as Kyle Bishop
Krysta Rodriguez as Ana Vargas
Brian d’Arcy James as Frank Houston