Lights, Camera, No Action: The Dismal Debut of ‘Smash’ on Broadway
So, here we are, folks—another bold attempt to breathe life into a failed TV concept, and the result? A Broadway musical that’s more of a snooze-fest than a standing ovation. “Smash,” the latest stage adaptation of NBC’s short-lived series, has strutted its stuff onto Broadway, and let’s just say, it’s flopped harder than a bad audition. Picture this: a show that once tried to make the behind-the-scenes chaos of Broadway glamorous, but now, it’s just a reminder that some things are best left on the cutting room floor.
The TV show, which aired from 2012 to 2013, had its moments—think star-studded cast, big numbers, and the kind of drama that could make your head spin. But can we really expect a musical based on a mediocre show to thrive? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Critics are sharpening their pens, and the reviews are rolling in with the enthusiasm of a soggy sandwich. The production is laden with clichés, a lackluster score, and dialogue that feels more like a bad soap opera than Broadway magic. What’s even more shocking is how this musical seems to take itself seriously while the audience collectively raises their eyebrows in disbelief.
In the era of hit musicals derived from unexpected places—hello, “Mean Girls” and “The Lion King”—one might think “Smash” could capture some of that magic. Alas, the show has turned into a cautionary tale of what happens when nostalgia collides with reality. The choreography is uninspired, and the performances? Well, let’s just say they’re not winning any Tony Awards anytime soon. It appears the creators aimed for a punchy, high-energy experience but instead delivered a sluggish production that left theatergoers scratching their heads and checking their watches.
Despite the star power behind the project, including some recognizable faces from the TV series, the chemistry seems thinner than a cheap curtain. When the most memorable moments involve cringeworthy transitions and awkward one-liners, you have to wonder who greenlit this project. Critics are labeling it a “train wreck” and a “disaster,” which isn’t exactly the kind of buzz you hope for when launching a Broadway spectacle.
So, what’s next for “Smash”? Will it find its footing, or is it destined to take its final bow sooner than later? Given the current reviews, it might just be time for the cast to start looking for their next gig. And remember, dear readers, not all that glitters in the theater world is gold. Sometimes, it’s just a reminder that some shows are best left in the past—and this one might just be a prime example of that lesson.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
