May 25th, 2011
Now don’t get us wrong. Here at International City Theatre, we are very big fans of the television show “GLEE.” It has been wonderful to see Broadway stars like Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison star on a show that brings musical comedy back to the American public. However, while still a great show, the music has essentially become a marketing platform for musical artists to promote their catalogs.
Where the first season provided many odes to show tunes and old standards, this last season has featured episodes dedicated to the music of Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. There is nothing wrong with pop music whatsoever, but the show essentially then pulls away from many musical theatre enthusiasts’ initial hope that this show would serve as a launching platform for people to be introduced to musical theatre. Have no fear though theatre fans, as NBC has just picked up “Smash,” a comedy coming this fall that will focus on the development of a new musical.
Produced by Steven Spielberg, “Smash” is a show about the development of a new musical about Marilyn Monroe that is headed to Broadway. It is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to get a theatrical production up and running. Sensing that you are already excited, you will be even more delighted when you find out that the creative forces behind this show are all a “Who’s Who” of the theatre industry. The team includes Tony-winning director Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), playwright Theresa Rebeck (Broadway’s “Mauritius”), and the songwriting team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Broadway’s “Catch me if You Can,” “Hairspray”).
The cast includes theatre, television and film heavyweights Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Anjelica Houston, Brian D’arcy James, Megan Hilty and Katherine McPhee.
Needless to say, we are very excited to see “Smash” and hope it does what we thought “GLEE” would – bring people back to the theatre!