Someone should make a musical about the remaking of Smash between its first and second seasons. Let's call it Phantom of the Rewrite.
Or maybe The (New) Producers, seeing how NBC replaced the original creator/showrunner in hopes of calming this elaborate backstage drama's own behind-the-scenes creative turmoil, which manifested on screen in turgid and oft-ridiculed soap opera between the splashy production numbers (which are still mostly terrific). Smash 2.0 (Tuesday, 9/8c) wastes no time addressing, while slyly commenting on, the show's problem spots, many involving Debra Messing's character, insecure lyricist-librettist Julia Houston. Her dull husband, cloddish son and needy lover? History. Her hideous scarves? Mocked. Also soon to be gone. Along with reviled characters like the scheming, lurking Ellis and Karen's cheating ex, Dev.
read moreSmash executive producers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's high-energy music and lyrics for the show's fictional play Bombshell helped earn the NBC drama a Golden Globe nod for Best Comedy/Musical. For Season 2, premiering February 5, the duo have composed tunes for other faux Broadway shows that will compete with Bombshell for ticket sales as the Marilyn Monroe-themed production nears its premiere.
read moreLiza Minnelli will appear as herself in an upcoming episode of Smash, NBC announced Tuesday.
"Liza Minnelli is the essence of a multi-talented, singular show business sensation, particularly for her extraordinary contributions to Broadway," NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. "So what could be more fitting than to have her legendary talent on a show that celebrates a world Liza has dazzled for decades? read more