At the January 2012 Television Critics Association Press Tour, the cast of the new NBC musical drama Smash talked to journalists about their new show. The series revolves around the creation of a new Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Stephen Spielberg is an executive producer on the show and acknowledged that he has worked in many different genres but has always been interested in theater.
“What goes on behind all of that, before the curtain even goes up, is something that's altogether different, and it's that creative process that really fascinated me - the competition, the creativity, the fights, the arguments, the dreams, the egos, disappointments, the energy, [I thought] would make a very, very compelling story,” Spielberg said. “And I thought it would make a compelling story on a weekly basis, one that a television series could probably most effectively tell and one that I think audiences will be able to relate to whether or not they ever had seen a Broadway show, because this is really about the drama of the characters.” Spielberg went on to say that Smash gives viewers “a peek behind the curtain and gives a peek into the colorful and exciting world of Broadway.”
The cast of Smash includes Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Jack Davenport, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee.
Katharine McPhee, Actress and Singer
Katharine McPhee explained that she enjoys both the recording aspect of the series as well as acting in the scenes. “I would say that the recording process for me is actually really rewarding, because it's such a different pace from the set, and we're really on the set a lot every day, so I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I actually would.”
McPhee has been recording albums since 2007. Her first single, "Over the Rainbow/My Destiny," debuted at #2 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart and then the album went gold in 2008, and in 2009, she garnered a Young Hollywood Award for Best Female Vocalist.
Megan Hilty, Actress and Singer
Megan Hilty has performed in Broadway musicals with great success. She is excited to be part of this new weekly series. “The wonderful thing about the show is that there are so many people here that come from this world [of Broadway] that it keeps it very authentic, Hilty said with great enthusiasm. “I can't tell you how many times I've been backstage, looking around, going, ‘Where's the camera? There needs to be a camera here.’ Because the drama that happens behind the curtain is way more interesting than what's happening on the stage.” And that is exactly what the showrunners want to portray in this series.
Among Hilty’s theater honors are nominations for Lead Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Awards and L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Awards.
Anjelica Huston Stars in a TV Series
For Anjelica Huston, who has had such a wonderful film career, the obvious question was why she decided to take on this TV series. She answered, “Because it's beautifully written. It's a fantastic cast of actors, a phenomenal team of people behind the scenes. We're working with the best of the best. I'd be a fool not to participate.”
Debra Messing’s Newest Television Series
Viewers will recognize Debra Messing from her past work on TV and in films. Most notably, she was on The Starter Wife and Will and Grace. This project appealed to her for several reasons. “She spoke about her character, Julia Houston. “Here is a woman who is very passionate about her creative life and needs that part of her life fulfilled, but also really is a proud mother and wants that home life and wants that balance. And I love that nothing is simple.” She also added, “All of our characters go through difficulty and challenges, and we're often surprised at the table reads. You know, we have no idea what's happening next, but it's all interesting and it all feels authentic.”
Of course Messing was asked about the difference between making Will and Grace and Smash. “The amount of fun that I'm having on this show is so ridiculously off the charts already,” she said with excitement. “Of course, you can't compare them. They're apples and oranges. This is a huge ensemble, a drama, very character?driven, very naturalistic world and tone. But, this cast is so accomplished and so committed. Everyone is so passionate about this project. We're working really hard, but we're laughing a lot, and we're really proud of what we're doing. And so I wouldn't even compare my experiences on both. I would just say I'm grateful for the fact that NBC has created a new home for me again that [is] where I want to go every day.”
Smash airs Mondays on NBC.
