Smash Broadway Original Cast

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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 more...

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”!

Original

Original Cast

Jacqueline B. Arnold

Anita

(Applause Books)

Brooks Ashmanskas

Nigel

(Applause Books)

John Behlmann

Jerry

(Applause Books)

Smash Broadway Original Cast

Original Cast

Awards and Nominations