By Matthew Wexler
Broadway is having a meta moment this season, with several productions tackling what it takes to survive and thrive in the entertainment industry. Nicole Scherzinger casts a glaring side eye as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard; Audra McDonald portrays the ultimate stage mom in Gypsy. But even those two powerhouses can’t compete with the allure of the legendary Marilyn Monroe.
But a Marilyn Monroe musical? That could be a sensation or abomination. What about a musical about making a Marilyn Monroe musical? That’s what we call a Smash.
Directed by hit-maker Susan Stroman (The Producers) and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse with all the kicks, lifts, and beveled feet you’d expect in a proper showstopper, Smash lives up to its name with an over-the-top theatricality and cheekiness that pulls back the curtain on the business of Broadway with a wink and a nod.
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Based on the short-lived NBC series of the same name, the story follows the cast and creative team of Bombshell: The Marilyn Monroe Musical as they attempt to transform one of Hollywood’s most alluring and tragic stars into a musical comedy. Star Ivy Lynn (Robyn Hurder) hires a “Method” acting coach, Susan Proctor (Kristine Nielsen), and the whole thing goes south as Ivy embodies Marilyn, distancing herself from the cast and popping pills. Karen, her cupcake-baking understudy (Caoline Bowman), is ready to step in until a strategic case of digestive issues takes her out of commission the night of the invite-only dress rehearsal.
Antics ensue with plenty of laughable one-liners thanks to book writers Bob Martin and Rick Elice. (One of my favorites from Bombshell’s lyricist: “No one wants to hear people talking in a musical, it’s boring!”)
Smash’s design elements live up to its fictional counterpart’s $20 million capitalization, with so many details you wish you had a set of opera glasses to inspect Beowulf Boritt’s scenic design further.
But Smash’s real star is its casting of Hurder, Bowman, and Bella Coppola (no spoilers, you’ll have to see it), each with their own hard-earned, true-to-life journeys toward originating roles in a big, bright comedy about a musical.
1MC Takeaway
Kristine Nielsen’s performance reeks of famed acting coach Stella Adler, but to appreciate the full breadth of her comedic chops, taking a trip down Stella Lane is a must. Oh, the drama!
