Bombshell, the musical from the television show “Smash,” is being developed into a stage production after receiving stellar reviews following a one-night only performance. Bombshell is the biographical account of screen legend Marilyn Monroe’s rise and fall that served as the backdrop for the NBC drama, “Smash.”
On June 8, the cast reunited for a one-time performance of the musical to benefit the Actors Fund. The performance left fans wanting more than just a tease and caused NBC to take notice of the value of turning Bombshell into an actual production. The New Yorker referred to the performance of Bombshell as “ The best Broadway musical that doesn’t exist.”
“Smash” chronicled the drama that ensues behind the scenes of producing a Broadway play and was on air for two seasons. Steven Spielberg, who executive produced “Smash,” has signed on to help turn the fictional show into a stage production. Songs written for the television show by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will be included. A book writer for the show has not yet been announced and no one from the “Smash” cast has officially signed on for the stage production.
“Smash” had cameos from many Broadway Black actors including: Condola Rashad, Vivian Nixon, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessie L. Martin, Montego Glover, Jennifer Hudson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Fans are anxiously waiting in the wings to see who will grace the stage.
Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, told zapit.com, “There is a still a lot of love for ‘Smash’ and a rabid fanbase out there, and we’re thrilled to be able to keep the dream alive as we work towards bringing Bombshell to theatre audiences.”
No official timeframe has been set for Bombshell, but fans can rest easy knowing that those who brought it to television are working hard to bring it to the stage.
