Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "Smash" at Imperial Theatre, Broadway – ★★★ REVIEW

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre
• Episode: Smash (Imperial Theatre, Broadway) - ★★★ REVIEW
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Description: Mickey-Jo reviews the latest theatrical productions from Broadway, West End, and beyond, offering insightful critiques and engaging discussions for theatre enthusiasts.

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey Jo delves into the Broadway stage musical adaptation of the iconic NBC TV series "Smash." Having attended the opening night at the Imperial Theatre, Mickey Jo provides a comprehensive review, blending personal insights with detailed analysis.

[00:00] Mickey Jo: "Hey, welcome back to my theatre themed YouTube channel. Or hello to you if you are listening on podcast platforms."

Differences from the TV Show

Mickey Jo begins by highlighting the significant deviations from the original TV series, emphasizing that while it retains the name and songs, the stage adaptation diverges substantially in character development and plot.

• Character Changes:
  • Ivy Lynn: Portrayed as a Broadway star with a massive social media following, diverging from Megan Hilty's portrayal.
  • Karen Cartwright: Reimagined as Ivy’s supportive understudy, contrasting the rivalry seen in the series.
  • New Characters: Introduction of Chloe, the assistant director, adds fresh dynamics absent from the show.

[01:45] Mickey Jo: "Very few characters are retained from the TV shows, but we have the same kind of archetypes."

Mickey Jo critiques the disorientation fans might feel due to these changes, questioning the decision to alter central relationships and conflicts that were foundational to the TV series.

Songs and Musical Numbers

A pivotal aspect of the stage adaptation is its integration of music, a point Mickey Jo examines thoroughly.

• Diegetic Performance: Most songs are performed within the context of the show, lacking the emotional depth found in typical musical numbers.

  [15:30] Mickey Jo: "The songs, the vast majority, are performed diegetically. Which means that you are seeing a performance of a musical number that in the world of this show is an actual real life musical number."

• Notable Songs Discussed:

  • "Let's Be Bad": Adapted from the TV series, though with altered lyrics.
  • "National Pastime" & "Some Like It Hot": Retained with new arrangements but criticized for lacking emotional weight.
  • "Let Me Be Your Star": The opening number serves as a disorienting introduction, deviating from the beloved duet version in the series.

Mickey Jo expresses disappointment over the lack of emotional resonance in the musical performances, attributing it to their diegetic nature.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers on the production of a Marilyn Monroe musical titled "Bombshell." However, the storyline strays from the TV show's original premise, focusing more on backstage dynamics without the intense rivalry.

• Act One: Introduces a seemingly harmonious environment, gradually unveiling underlying tensions.

  [10:20] Mickey Jo: "They don't want to deal with all of the angst and all of the trauma."

• Act Two: Escalates the conflict as Ivy's behavior becomes erratic, leading to unforeseen complications during the dress rehearsal.

  [22:50] Mickey Jo: "Karen's husband Charlie... has poisoned one of Ivy's cupcakes with laxatives."

Mickey Jo remarks on the plot's departure from the synergistic drama of the TV series, suggesting that the new storyline lacks the compelling tension that originally captivated audiences.

Creative Team and Production

Directed by veteran Susan Stroman, the production boasts high-energy choreography and stunning visuals, yet Mickey Jo finds the direction somewhat contrived.

• Choreography: Praised for its blend of contemporary and classic Broadway styles, maintaining continuity with the stage adaptation.

  [18:10] Mickey Jo: "The choreography, the visuals and the staging far, far better than many other shows."

• Book and Writing: Bob Martin's script is acknowledged for its wit, though criticized for not fully capitalizing on potential industry inside jokes.

  [25:00] Mickey Jo: "The book for this production... there are way more inside jokes that we could have used."

Costume and set designs receive commendations, particularly Leo Vietti's costumes and Beowulf Borit's sets, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Performances

Mickey Jo offers a detailed critique of the cast, highlighting standout performances and areas of disappointment.

• Robin Herder as Ivy Lynn: Lauded for her vocal prowess and commanding stage presence, evoking classic Broadway divas.

  [32:15] Mickey Jo: "She is extraordinarily talented... feels like an Olympic athlete in almost every company number."

• Caroline Bowman as Karen Cartwright: Praised for her expanded role, Bowman delivers a compelling portrayal of the supportive understudy.

  [38:45] Mickey Jo: "Caroline Bowman... she sounds great, she dances brilliantly."

• Brooks Ashmanskas as Nigel: Brings comedic relief with his familiar campy demeanor, effectively landing jokes and enhancing the show's humor.

  [35:10] Mickey Jo: "Brooks Ashmanskas... makes a lot of this material sing when it perhaps otherwise wouldn't."

Other cast members receive mixed reviews, with some performances falling flat due to underdeveloped character arcs and lackluster comedic timing.

Conclusion and Rating

Mickey Jo concludes with a three-star rating, encapsulating his overall disappointment juxtaposed with recognition of the show's entertainment value.

[50:00] Mickey Jo: "With all of the criticism that I have for this show, it still has an entertainment value that exceeds that of many other musicals opening on Broadway right now."

He expresses concerns about the show's branding and its ability to resonate with both fans of the original series and new audiences. The anticipation of Tony nominations suggests a hope for the production to find its footing despite initial shortcomings.

[55:30] Mickey Jo: "But we will find out what's going to happen with Smash soon enough, with the Tony nominations set to be announced at the very start of next month."

Mickey Jo invites listeners to share their thoughts and encourages them to subscribe for future reviews, maintaining engagement with his theatre-loving audience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Broadway adaptation of "Smash" diverges significantly from its TV counterpart, resulting in a mixed reception.
• While the musical numbers are technically proficient, their diegetic nature may hinder emotional impact.
• Performances, particularly by Robin Herder and Caroline Bowman, stand out amidst a production that struggles with character development and plot coherence.
• Despite criticisms, "Smash" offers commendable entertainment value and showcases high production quality, warranting curiosity about its future accolades.

For those interested in a nuanced critique of "Smash" and its place within the current Broadway landscape, MickeyJoTheatre's detailed review provides valuable insights.