It’s Opening Night at ‘Smash’ on Broadway April 10

By Logan Culwell-Block

Originally published on playbill.com.

Tech is officially over! Cult favorite TV series Smash officially opens its long-awaited debut as a Broadway stage musical April 10 at the Imperial Theatre, after beginning previews March 11. Five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman is directing with Joshua Bergasse continuing his work from the NBC series as choreographer.

Leading the company are Robyn Hurder (Moulin Rouge! the Musical) as Ivy Lynn and Caroline Bowman (Frozen) as Karen, with Brooks Ashmanskas (The Prom) as Nigel, Krysta Rodriguez (Spring Awakening) as Tracy, John Behlmann (Shucked) as Jerry, Kristine Nielsen (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) as Susan Proctor, Jacqueline B. Arnold (Moulin Rouge!) as Anita, Bella Coppola (Six) as Chloe, Casey Garvin (Some Like It Hot) as Charlie, and Nicholas Matos as Scott.

The company also includes Wendi Bergamini, Sarah Bowden, Deanna Cudjoe, Daniel Gaymon, Merritt David Janes, Megan Kane, David Paul Kidder, McGee Maddox, J Savage, Jake Trammel, and Katie Webber. Swings Jacob Burns, Chelle Denton, Ndaya Dream Hoskins, Ian Liberto, Libby Lloyd, and Connor McRory round out the company. Casting is by Bernard Telsey and Kristian Charbonier.

The musical features a score by Tony, Emmy, and two-time Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who wrote over two-dozen songs for the television series, many of which are being used for the stage show alongside new compositions. The book is penned by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

The creative team also includes scenic designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Alejo Vietti, lighting designer Ken Billington, sound designer Brian Ronan, projection designer S. Katy Tucker, orchestrator Doug Besterman, dance and incidental music arranger Sam Davis, music supervisor Stephen Oremus, and music director Paul Staroba. Hair and wig design are by Charles G. LaPointe, and makeup design is by Joe Dulude II. 101 Productions, Ltd. serves as general manager. Johnny Milani is production stage manager.

Smash is based in part on the NBC series created by Theresa Rebeck; executive producers included Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron, Craig Zadan, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Rebeck, David Marshall Grant, and Joshua Safran. The show was produced by Universal Television.

Smash is being produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, Meron, and Spielberg. Also on the producing team is EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, who appeared as a guest star on an episode in the series’ second season.

Visit SmashBroadway.com.