Broadway's 'Smash' Opens to Polarized Reviews and High-Profile Support
The Marilyn Monroe-inspired musical adaptation of the cult NBC series debuts with a reimagined narrative, original songs, and a star-studded opening night.
- The Broadway adaptation of NBC's 'Smash' officially opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 10, 2025, reinterpreting the TV series as a meta-musical about creating a Marilyn Monroe bio-musical, 'Bombshell.'
- The production features the original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, including fan favorites like 'Let Me Be Your Star' and 'They Just Keep Moving the Line.'
- Directed by Susan Stroman, the musical shifts focus from the TV show's character rivalries to backstage drama and production challenges, but has drawn mixed critical reception for its narrative and tone.
- Notable celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Nathan Lane attended the opening, highlighting the cultural significance of the adaptation.
- While praised for its energetic performances and clever meta-theatrical elements, critics have also called it disjointed, with some questioning its departure from the original series' dynamics.
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