Is ‘Smash’ A Smash Hit?

Last night we saw the new TV show, Smash, make its debut. In its 10 p.m. time slot, it generated real ratings for NBC. The reports are saying that its 11.5 million viewers was the highest it has had in that time slot in more than 3 years. Does this mean that the “backstage musical” is going to be a smash hit? Did you watch, what did you think?

"Smash" follows the story of two female triple-threat (singing, dancing and acting) ingénues, vying for the coveted lead role of "Marilyn" in "Marilyn: The Musical"; Ivy Lynn, the sexy blonde who's been in the ensemble of every show on Broadway and Karen Cartwright, the brunette "girl next door," innocent, eager, and bursting with raw talent.

The pilot episode begins with an actress singing her heart out, bathed in the spotlight, but quickly segues to the reality of an audition, where hardened casting people answer their phones in the middle of your song. This juxtaposition of dream and reality is used throughout the episode, and serves as a window into what the producers and cast visualize as the final product of their hard work. We see what could be, should the dream come to fruition.

I actually really liked it… it has been called the "grown up” version of Glee. The producers are hoping that "Smash" will kickstart a revival of musicals that truly capture the heart and mind. Did you think it did? Will you keep watching?

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