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Smash - Articles Page 1.8

Closing: June 22, 2025

Smash - 2025 Broadway History , Info & More

Fade in on a show...! After years of fan anticipation, Smash is finally making its way to Broadway, bringing the drama, glamour, and chaos of creating a musical to life on stage. Based on the cult-favorite NBC series, Smash offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, rivalries, and heartbreak that fuel Broadway. Both a love letter to the theater and a gripping backstage drama, Smash promises to dazzle audiences with its wit, heart, and electrifying performances.

What’s the show about? At the center of Smash is the creation of Bombshell, a fictional Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Tensions soar as two actresses compete for the starring role: Karen Cartwright, a fresh-faced dreamer, and Ivy Lynn, a seasoned Broadway veteran. Meanwhile, the creative team navigates its own struggles, from composer Tom Levitt’s perfectionism to book writer Julia Houston’s personal crises. The result is a musical journey that explores ambition, artistry, and the emotional highs and lows of showbiz.

Based on the Emmy-nominated NBC series that aired from 2012 to 2013, Smash builds on the show’s legacy. Created by Theresa Rebeck and produced by Steven Spielberg, the series became a fan favorite for its inside look at Broadway’s cutthroat world. The show’s original music, composed by Tony and Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Some Like It Hot), earned acclaim for songs like “Let Me Be Your Star,” “Don’t Forget Me,” and “The 20th Century Fox Mambo”—all of which are featured in the Broadway production, alongside brand-new numbers. If you loved the TV series, it's exactly what you want. And if you didn't... they changed everything.

Directed by Tony-winning Susan Stroman (The Producers, Crazy for You), the Broadway adaptation boasts a star-studded cast. Robyn Hurder (Moulin Rouge!) takes on the role of Ivy Lynn, while Caroline Bowman (Wicked) portrays Karen Cartwright. Supporting them is Brooks Ashmanskas (The Prom) as Tom Levitt, Krysta Rodriguez (Spring Awakening) as Julia Houston, and John Behlmann (Tootsie) as the ruthless director Derek Wills. An ensemble of powerhouse performers brings the musical-within-a-musical, Bombshell, to dazzling life.

Whether you were captivated by the NBC series or are discovering this behind-the-curtain drama for the first time, Smash promises to be a spectacular celebration of what makes Broadway shine. Don’t miss the chance to see this long-awaited musical—grab your tickets and let Smash “be your star”!


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PREVIEW Smash - 2025 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Smash

A Ruthless, Sensational SMASH — Review
9 / 10

Smash has a ruthlessness that’s hard to believe exists in the PR’d universe of modern theater, and it does sometimes curdle. There’s an ickiness to Ivy’s story, where a woman attempting to self-actualize and improve herself is treated as an impediment. But Hurder finds humanity in her worst behavior, and gets to stalk deliciously around the stage in a fur coat and shades (Alejo Vietti did the spot-on costumes).

Smash’ lacks much of what made TV show a cult favorite
5 / 10

That blend of repetition and freshness in Susan Stroman’s production is all a bit of a head rush, frankly, and fans of ‘Smash’ won’t be sure whether they are supposed to be looking at things anew or enjoying a nostalgic rerun. I suspect the cast was never sure, either. Thus, the new product ends up in that ever-dangerous no-man’s land, fully landing nowhere, bereft of a palpable reason for being.

Interview: Nicholas Matos on Booking SMASH and Living the Broadway Dream
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025


BroadwayWorld spoke with Nicholas Matos about making his Broadway debut in Smash! Read the full Debut of the Month feature here and learn more about Smash on Broadway!

J Savage Shares Backstage Secrets From SMASH on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2025


J Savage, currently appearing in SMASH on Broadway, took us backstage at the Imperial Theatre to share some of his favorite backstage moments, pre-show rituals, and more!

SMASH Original Broadway Cast Recording To Be Released In May
by A.A. Cristi - April 29, 2025


The Original Broadway Cast Recording of SMASH will be released digitally on Friday, May 16 at midnight EST. The CD and vinyl will also be  available for preorder beginning Friday, May 16, for release this summer.

Video: Watch Caroline Bowman & SMASH Cast Perform 'The National Pastime' on The TODAY Show
by Josh Sharpe - April 28, 2025


Broadway Week on The TODAY Show continues with another performance from the company of Smash! On Monday morning, Caroline Bowmn and the cast took the TODAY plaza by storm with a performance of 'The National Pastime' from the new musical.

Video: Watch SMASH Perform 'Let Me Be Your Star' on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - April 28, 2025


It's Broadway Week on the TODAY Show! To kick things off, the cast of SMASH performed 'Let Me Be Your Star (Opening Version)' on the hit NBC morning show. Watch a video of Robyn Hurder lead the cast of the new Broadway musical.

Video: Robyn Hurder Talks SMASH Opening Night and 20 Years on Broadway
by Josh Sharpe - April 23, 2025


Smash star Robyn Hurder joined The Jennifer Hudson Show to celebrate the opening night of the much-anticipated new musical. During their conversation, Hurder talked about her 20-year career on Broadway and how she has worked her way up to leading roles. Watch the interview now!

Photos: SMASH Cast and Creative Team Celebrate Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - April 14, 2025


SMASH officially opened last week at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. The new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series, is now playing. Check out photos of the cast on the opening night red carpet here!

Photos: SMASH Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - April 12, 2025


Smash is officially open on Broadway! BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos from the opening night curtain call here.

Photos: Go Inside SMASH VIP Arrivals on Opening Night!
by Bruce Glikas - April 12, 2025


Many arrived for opening night, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. Scroll down to see photos of the VIP arrivals on opening night! 

Video: Inside Opening Night of SMASH on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - April 11, 2025


Smash just celebrated opening night on Broadway and BroadwayWorld was there to chat with the full company. Watch in this video as the company chats more about finally bringing this beloved show to a Broadway stage.

Review Roundup: SMASH Opens On Broadway Starring Robyn Hurder and More
by A.A. Cristi - April 10, 2025


Read reviews for Broadway’s SMASH at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. The new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series, takes audiences inside the backstage pandemonium behind the scenes of Bombshell, a musical about Marilyn Monroe.

Broadway Stars Who Appeared on NBC's SMASH
by Stephi Wild - April 19, 2025


As we welcome SMASH to the stage for the first time, we're taking a look back on the iconic television show that started it all. Take a look back on the Broadway names who appeared on SMASH!

Video: Robyn Hurder Shares SMASH Pre-Show Rituals and Bringing Marilyn Monroe to Life
by Josh Sharpe - April 9, 2025


Robyn Hurder recently visited The View to discuss her starring role as Ivy Lynn and Marilyn Monroe in Broadway's Smash. During the interview, she revealed her pre-show rituals and shared how she manifested the role with a tattoo on her wrist. Watch the interview!

Video: Robyn Hurder and More in SMASH on Broadway First Look
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 8, 2025


You can now get a first look at footage of Broadway’s SMASH, the new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series. See footage here and learn more about the production!

Video: Moving from TV to Broadway with SMASH
by Emmy Rice - April 6, 2025


Smash started previews at the Imperial Theatre on March 11 and will be opening on April 10, 2025. The composing team for the show, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, sat down with CBS Sunday Morning to talk about moving the show to Broadway.

Video: Watch New SMASH Footage Narrated By Nathan Lane
by Michael Major - April 4, 2025


Watch a new video montage from SMASH on Broadway, narrated by Nathan Lane! The new highlights show off scenes from the new musical, starring Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, Caroline Bowman, and more.

Photos: SMASH On Broadway Starring Robyn Hurder, Krysta Rodriguez, Caroline Bowman and More
by A.A. Cristi - April 3, 2025


Check out new photos of SMASH on Broadway. Now in previews at the Imperial Theatre, SMASH will officially open on Broadway on April 10.

Video: Watch Robyn Hurder Sing 'Don't Forget Me' in SMASH on Broadway
by Michael Major - April 3, 2025


Watch a new video of Robyn Hurder singing 'Don't Forget Me' in SMASH on Broadway. The song will be featured on the original Broadway cast recording for the new musical, soon to be released by Concord Theatricals Recordings.

SMASH Releases New Block of Tickets Through Early January 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 3, 2025


SMASH has released a new block of tickets for performances through early 2026. Learn more about the musical based on the television show, and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: Robyn Hurder and Susan Stroman Discuss the Meta Nature of SMASH on MORNING JOE
by Josh Sharpe - April 1, 2025


On a recent visit to MSNBC's Morning Joe, director Susan Stroman and performer Robyn Hurder shed light on the new musical Smash, which is officially opening on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Watch the interview!

Video: Watch Robyn Hurder Sing 'Let's Be Bad and 'Let Me Be Your Star' from SMASH
by Nicole Rosky - March 31, 2025


SMASH is officially on Broadway!  It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with hilarious setbacks and surprises, kick-ass production numbers and iconic songs. Check out two of them ('Let Me be Your Star' and Let's Be Bad') performed by Robyn Hurder in these videos.

Smash History

Other Productions of Smash

2025   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Smash - 2025 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2025 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical Brooks Ashmanskas
2025 Drama League Awards DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE Brooks Ashmanskas
2025 Drama League Awards DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE Robyn Hurder
2025 Drama League Awards OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL Susan Stroman
2025 Tony Awards Best Choreography Joshua Bergasse
2025 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Brooks Ashmanskas

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