In the past few years, NBC has been in a long search for finding the next "ER", "Law and Order" or "Seinfeld". Plus, people have also been searching for the next "Glee". Well, people of earth, I'm proud to say that the search is finally over with NBC's "Smash".
Songwriters Julia Houston {Debra Messing, "Will and Grace"} and Tom Levitt {Christian Borle} are creating a brand new musical based on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. Joining them on board is producer Eileen Rand {Anjelica Huston} and director Derek Wills {Jack Davenport}. But it's a battle for stardom as longtime chorus girl Ivy Lynn {Megan Hilty} and outsider Karen Cartwright {Katharine McPhee, "American Idol"} compete for the lead role of Marilyn.
The pilot has a funny and fast-paced start and it really never goes downhill from there. Creator Theresa Rebeck's script is sharp with smart and rib-ticking references to Michael Riedel of the NY Post, "Spider Man: Turn off the Dark" and the 1983 musical flop "Marilyn: An American Fable". The musical numbers give a lively touch to the show, especially a rocking and Billboard destined hit ending duet in the pilot between Karen and Ivy, "Let Me Be Your Star".
The actors are really taking their characters for granted as we are watching. Messing really makes us forget about Grace Adler and makes us start thinking about Julia. Jack Davenport acts like a young version of Alan Rickman. Hilty brings down the house with two numbers in the pilot and McPhee makes a fine impression in the interesting role of Karen.
All in all, this is a witty, fine written and intelligent look at Broadway and a perfect alternative to "Glee". This is truly one show that's sure to find a big audience and to make people fans of Broadway. This is really a show I'm looking forward to watch every week. Let's hope NBC keeps it alive for more seasons to come.
FYI: The show is executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Rating: 3 and a half stars
Songwriters Julia Houston {Debra Messing, "Will and Grace"} and Tom Levitt {Christian Borle} are creating a brand new musical based on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. Joining them on board is producer Eileen Rand {Anjelica Huston} and director Derek Wills {Jack Davenport}. But it's a battle for stardom as longtime chorus girl Ivy Lynn {Megan Hilty} and outsider Karen Cartwright {Katharine McPhee, "American Idol"} compete for the lead role of Marilyn.
The pilot has a funny and fast-paced start and it really never goes downhill from there. Creator Theresa Rebeck's script is sharp with smart and rib-ticking references to Michael Riedel of the NY Post, "Spider Man: Turn off the Dark" and the 1983 musical flop "Marilyn: An American Fable". The musical numbers give a lively touch to the show, especially a rocking and Billboard destined hit ending duet in the pilot between Karen and Ivy, "Let Me Be Your Star".
The actors are really taking their characters for granted as we are watching. Messing really makes us forget about Grace Adler and makes us start thinking about Julia. Jack Davenport acts like a young version of Alan Rickman. Hilty brings down the house with two numbers in the pilot and McPhee makes a fine impression in the interesting role of Karen.
All in all, this is a witty, fine written and intelligent look at Broadway and a perfect alternative to "Glee". This is truly one show that's sure to find a big audience and to make people fans of Broadway. This is really a show I'm looking forward to watch every week. Let's hope NBC keeps it alive for more seasons to come.
FYI: The show is executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
Rating: 3 and a half stars