Podcast Summary: "SMASH is going to be a Broadway musical! | Theatre news recap including full cast, dates and more"

Release Date: October 22, 2024
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Platform: YouTube

1. Exciting Announcement: Smash Musical Coming to Broadway

In the latest episode, Mickey-Jo delivers breaking news that the beloved TV series "Smash" is being adapted into a stage musical, set to make its Broadway debut this season. This adaptation will take place at Broadway's Imperial Theatre, currently hosting "Water for Elephants", which is scheduled to close later this year to make room for "Smash".

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Smash, the stage musical, is in fact coming to Broadway this season at Broadway's Imperial Theatre..."

2. Revisiting Smash: From TV Series to Stage Musical

Mickey-Jo provides a comprehensive background on the original "Smash" TV series, which aired on NBC in the 2010s. The show revolved around the high-stakes world of Broadway, focusing on the creation of a musical about Marilyn Monroe titled "Bombshell". It featured intense competition between actresses Megan Hilty and Catherine McPhee for the lead role.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Smash was a 2010s NBC TV series that ran for two seasons and centered around the casting of a fictional musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe..."

3. Broadway Adaptation Details: Dates, Theatre, and Creative Team

The stage adaptation of "Smash" is set to open officially on April 10, 2025, with previews starting on March 11, 2025, at the Imperial Theatre. This positioning makes it one of the final shows of the Broadway season, positioning it for potential Tony Award nominations, particularly in the Best New Music category.

Creative Team Includes:

• Music: Marc Shaiman
• Lyrics: Scott Whitman and Marc Shaiman
• Book: Rick Ellis and Bob Martin
• Choreography: Joshua Bergasse
• Director: Susan Stroman

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "It will have good company... the creative team includes Marc Shaiman, Scott Whitman, and Susan Stroman, among others."

4. Cast Announcements: Stellar Lineup Bringing Smash to Life

Mickey-Jo delves into the robust cast lineup for the Broadway production, highlighting both seasoned Broadway veterans and fresh talent:

• Robin Herder as Ivy: Formerly portrayed by Megan Hilty on TV, Herder brings experience from shows like "Moulin Rouge" and "Chicago".

• Brooks Ashmanskas as Nigel: A two-time Tony Award nominee known for his role in "The Prom".

• Krista Rodriguez as Tracy: Known for her performances in "The Addams Family", "Spring Awakening", and "A Chorus Line".

• John Bellman as Geri: Recognized for his work in "Shucked".

• Christine Nielsen as Susan: Celebrated for roles in "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" and "Spring Awakening".

• Caroline Bowman as Karen: A versatile performer with credits in "Wicked", "Frozen" US Tour, and "Sunset Boulevard".

Additional cast members include Jacqueline B. Arnold, Bella Coppola, and Casey Garvin, among others.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Robin Herder as Ivy... Brooks Ashmanskas as Nigel... Krista Rodriguez as Tracy... and many more exciting names joining the cast."

5. Evolution from TV to Stage: Plot and Character Adjustments

The Broadway version of "Smash" is not a direct translation of the TV series. Mickey-Jo emphasizes that the stage adaptation features a substantially different plot with new characters, diverging from the original storyline to better suit the theatrical format. This reimagining aims to focus more on the musical "Bombshell" rather than the behind-the-scenes drama of the TV show.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "This is not simply Smash directly translated from the screen to the stage. They have adapted it heavily and hopefully this allows them to give people more of what they want."

6. Navigating Broadway's Competitive Landscape

Mickey-Jo assesses the challenging Broadway environment into which "Smash" is debuting. With numerous high-profile diva-centric shows like "Sunset Boulevard", "Gypsy", and productions featuring stars such as Nicole Scherzinger, Audra McDonald, and Idina Menzel, "Smash" faces stiff competition. The host expresses concern over whether the timing is right for "Smash" to stand out amidst these heavyweight productions.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "It just seems like a challenging climate for Smash to be opening in... a very busy year for slightly campy leading lady diva shows."

7. Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

Concluding the episode, Mickey-Jo shares her optimism and excitement for the upcoming "Smash" musical. She expresses a personal interest in attending and reviewing the show, urging listeners to engage by sharing their thoughts and expectations in the comments section. Additionally, she encourages fans to watch the original TV series to better appreciate the stage adaptation.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "I hope that this is a smashing success... Let me know if you feel similarly. Are you excited about this? Are you optimistic about Smash's success?"

8. Stay Connected with MickeyJoTheatre

Mickey-Jo highlights her presence across various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and her upcoming trip to New York to review multiple Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. She invites listeners to subscribe and follow her for ongoing theatre content and updates.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Make sure to subscribe to my theatre themed YouTube channel... I am heading back to Broadway for just over two weeks to see as many Broadway and Off Broadway plays and musicals as I can."

Conclusion

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre provides an in-depth look at the much-anticipated Broadway adaptation of "Smash", covering everything from cast announcements to the competitive Broadway scene. Mickey-Jo's enthusiasm and critical insights offer listeners a comprehensive overview, making it a must-listen for theatre enthusiasts eagerly awaiting "Smash"'s Broadway debut.

For more theatre news, reviews, and updates, subscribe to MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube and follow on other social media platforms.