What: Smash
Where: Broadhurst Theatre
235 W. 44th St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up
Me - Smash is allegedly based on the TV show of the same name. It follows a group of people trying to create a show about Marilyn Monroe. If you were a fan of the show and are looking forward to seeing it adapted, don't be fooled. Despite the title, this production has very little in common with its source material.
The only characters in both shows are Ivy and Karen, but their names were the only things about them that weren't changed. The score, on the other hand, was completely taken from the TV show. While this was one of the least faithful adaptations I have seen, it was enjoyable on its own merits. The story was entertaining and very humorous, and the cast was very talented. If you go in expecting to see the TV show recreated, you might be disappointed, but if you judge it for itself, it's a lighthearted and fun show.
Mom - While it is common for musicals to be based on previously existing source material, some adaptations are truer to their original source than others. The musical, Smash, barely resembles the same-named TV show, but just uses its predecessor as a jumping-off point. Although it is still about making a Broadway musical, and most, if not all, of the music was taken directly from the series, just about everything else is different. While some characters serve the same functions in both versions, for instance, the writers, the director, etc., the backgrounds, storylines, and even the character names have been completely changed. Even the two characters that maintain the same names as they did on TV are completely different than in that iteration.
This is necessary because a two-hour or so stage show doesn't have the time to develop as many characters and storylines as a two-season TV series. It also makes the show more enjoyable because it's less predictable. Of course, if you go into it wanting to know exactly what to expect, you will likely be disappointed. However, if you go into it with an open mind, whether you are familiar with the TV show or not, you can still enjoy this show. There is a lot to like about it. The story is unique and full of surprises. It's also quite funny. The performances are great, especially that of Robin Hurder, who is completely delightful as a scenery-chewing diva.
This show is not a game-changer. It doesn't break any new ground in the world of theater, yet it is still a pleasant way to spend a little time.
And that's our view. For more about Smash or to purchase tickets, visit smashbroadway.com.
Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.
Photo credits:
All Smash production photos by Matthew Murphy
Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, contact us here, and we will look into the matter.
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