Dori Bernstein News

Last night, SMASH cast Marilyn Monroe in the big Broadway musical based on her life at the show's center. Or, did they? While Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) may have done whatever it took to make an impression on the show's lothario director, Derek (Jack Davenport), it was Ivy's long-standing friendship with the songwriting team of Julia & Tom (Debra Messing & Christian Borle) and the belief in her readily apparent talent by the lead producer, Eileen (Anjelica Huston), that really sealed the deal. So, where does that leave Karen (Katharine McPhee)? In the chorus, it seems - at least for now. The drama escalated and reached an early peak along with the crescendos of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's smashing "Twentieth Century Fox Mambo" showstopper - the musical highlight of the impossibly strong second episode - as the heated fully-staged and fully-choreographed audition gave way to a dream reality which finally showed us all out there in the audience what a Karen/Marilyn could potentially be: a true blonde bombshell to beat the band. Of course, nothing is quite so cut and dry as it may appear and Karen may get her chance in the spotlight on the actual Marilyn musical's stage after all. Yet, for the next few episodes at least, Ivy is the star of the show - and she is going to wring every last wiggle, coo and peck out of the role. Plus, who can put over a number in true Broadway fashion - as Marilyn Monroe, perfectly played, no less - than Megan Hilty? Did you hear her line in the newly envisioned 'Let Me Be Your Star'? In much the same way as Hilty with the Broadway pizazz, McPhee effortlessly puts over treacherously tricky pop songs with smoothness, sweetness and near-tangible sincerety and conviction. Which way will the score ultimately go - and, furthermore, what shall be of the show that contains it? Will the musical be more Norma Jean or more Marilyn, thus more befitting of Karen or Ivy, respectively? Who knows, perhaps there ultimately will be two Marilyns required - as was proposed in this very column last week at this time and seems the logical ultimate conclusion of the casting dilemma at the show's core. We will certainly have to wait and find out what happens next on SMASH and what the show ends up requiring of its incredibly talented cast of hoofers and stars-to-be. Plus, Nick Jonas, Uma Thurman and Bernadette Peters make guest star debuts in the next several weeks!

The first ever Tony Award Documentary Film Series launched May 9 as part of the 2011 Tony Awards Showcase at the Times Square Visitors Center and Mini-Museum. The Tony Award Documentary Films Series features three films that examine what it's like to be behind-the-scenes on a Tony-eligible Broadway musical. The first film to be screened was Finding Billy, taking viewers on the journey in the search for the young male leads in Billy Elliot the Musical. The screening was immediately followed by a panel discussion comprised of moderator Nora Brennan (Children's Casting Director for Billy Elliot), and Broadway cast members Tade Biesinger (Billy), Jacob Clemente (Billy), Stephen Hanna (Older Billy), and Joel Hatch (George).

'Bravo! A complete and total home run!!! Dori topped herself,? says Joan Van Ark. Dori Three-time Tony-winning Broadway producer Dori Berinstein has added another hit to her already extensive film and television producing and directing career with ?Gotta Dance.?