Smash - Series Discussion

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

So far, in contrast to all the hetero screwing, we've had Christian Borle having bad sex (with a Republican!) and being told he was a ho by his new Christian (ha!) boyfriend. And Ellis's stuff. It's a 9 o'clock show. Sorry coasters, a ten o'clock show, for god's sake!

[JoeKv99]

Huh. I thought it was a pretty hot kiss- open mouthed, and Christian Borle climbed right on him like he was Jub Jub and that dancer was a hot rock to bask on.

[Bettyboy72]

WOW! All I can say is thank you Uma! Finally a character who is a.) likeable and b.) somewhat realistic. Yes, Ms. Duvall is an actress but she is totally believable and speaking the truth. I adore that she arrived. She's a delight.

These characters are the most preposterous motley crew whose actions are not grounded in reality. Eileen burning contracts-WTF?? She went from a cool independent woman to a moron. This show is managing to alienate all its characters from me.

Im glad Uma showed up or there would be no one I like.

[Sheldon Devane]

The whole "Ellis" situation is a perfect example of what bad casting can do. Now, this actor may be a very nice person, but he is bringing NOTHING interesting to this part at all. Another actor with more of an edge, or an evil gleam in his eye, or something, might be able to bring this otherwise poorly written character to life. But not this guy. There is just nothing there.

On another note, if I see the director wearing his Fagin coat one more time, I am going to scream like Nancy being hit by Bill Sykes.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I'd be curious to know what members of the Broadway community think of SMASH. I asked a current Broadway performer on his thoughts about the show. He responded that he had only seen the first episode and hadn't formed an opinion. Hmmm? from RC in Austin, Texas

[FindingNamo]

Christian Borle said in an interview for Peter & The Starcatchers that they all talk about it while they're shooting, which occasional parts actually do resemble what it's really like to put together a musical.

As for the hot kiss, I didn't have enough time to find it hot before the chorine stopped just shy of accusing Tom of date rape.

[ucjrdude902]

Am I the only one who wasn't impressed with Thurman? I found it entertaining just not impressed. Any clue how they plan to tie in this Bollywood number?

[FindingNamo]

It could be Karen's fantasy solution to keeping her man. Or Dev's break-up fantasy.

[EricMontreal22]

The Bollywood is meant to be a fantasy/dream moment about Karen trying to keep her man or something (this coming from Ent Weekly a while back).

[Jordan Catalano]

Damn. I was hoping Uma would want a Bollywood number for Marilyn added to the show.

[FindingNamo]

Had Marilyn survived she would have gone on a spiritual quest to India with the Beatles instead of that Mia Farrow, so it would make sense.

[Wee Thomas2]

So . . . just me confused that so many characters were going to meet up later but "where" and "when" were never discussed? Eileen and her criminal bar owner, Tom and the choir boy, and at least a couple others.

And does the Bryant Park hotel really have a room like that? I've only been in the lobby (it was cold out, and raining), and couldn't imagine a space like that.

[Borstalboy]

And what exactly did the barowner do?? I sort of missed that part.

A friend of mine who is a director (who, like me, thinks the show is crap but can't stop watching) pointed out something funny: The director never actually directs. He just sort of starts and then stops scenes.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

EL OH EL

[Michael Bennett]

Isn't the director also supposed to be the choreographer? We never see him do that either.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Shrug. They perform the numbers, so clearly they're being taught them in the world of the show. Do we really need to watch them learning each and every step, especially when we'd have to watch someone translate things into Iowa terms for Karen?

[SueleenGay]

Ivy blocked the show, should we assume she also did the choreography?
I have worked with "directors" who did a lot LESS than Derek does.

[miss pennywise]

I must have one of the oddest relationships with this show. I watched the first episode and didn't care for it, but gave it another chance. I tried to watch Episode 2, but I simply could not get through it. (The only other clip of it I saw was Bernadette's performance of "Everything's Coming Up Roses.")

HOWEVER, I love reading the recaps (especially Rachel Shukert, who I think is some sort of Dorothy Parker for the digital age) and message board comments as well as discussing the show with people I know watch it. So, I'm not a "hate-watcher"...I'm more of a "literary voyeur." I swear, it's more fun to read what everyone has to say on Tuesday than it is to watch the show itself on Monday. Keep up the good work, "Smash Threaders"! (You should all be nominated for an Emmy. )

[Gaveston2]

Isn't the director also supposed to be the choreographer? We never see him do that either.

He's taking his cue from the writers who don't seem to write and the producer who doesn't produce.

Phyllis, I agree we don't need to watch entire numbers being staged, but a little of that would fill some of the time the show wastes on plot incidents that don't go anywhere.

Actually, this week's "star who isn't a triple threat but knows what works for her" was our first real insight into the process of creating a show. Not coincidentally, it was also the first episode that seemed to be about anything.

[ucjrdude902]

Saw Megan on Ellen and thought she was extremely delightful :]

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Didn't we see Derek choreograph the baseball number? I'm really curious to see how the show as a whole would be (BOMBSHELL, not SMASH). Also, I think I like Uma? She looks too old, but whatever. She didn't do a bad job as Marilyn, and I liked Rebecca's character.

[ucjrdude902]

I think Uma looks too old. I wouldn't be surprised if Uma doesn't make it and they go a different route just to keep it going. I bet she makes it to Boston, gets panned and they switch it out, McPhee goes in ala "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

[Gaveston2]

I'm not bothered by Thurman's age. There won't be close-ups on stage.

But I don't understand why they keep hiring tall, skinny actresses (Thurman and McPhee) to play a woman famed for her voluptuous figure. Hilty makes perfect casting sense, but not the others.

[EricMontreal22]

"Didn't we see Derek choreograph the baseball number? I'm really curious to see how the show as a whole would be (BOMBSHELL, not SMASH)."

Nah that was his dance assistant or whoever (isn't he played by the show's actual choreographer?). That didn't bug me too much, I have heard of some director choreographers who did very little actual teaching of the choreography to the chorus--but Derek certainly doesn't move or seem to be even somewhat of a dancer--they could have him show a few steps. But really that aspect of the show doesn't bother me...

(And yes, it's true that in this episode they never did actually say where and when they were meeting when they all took off, but that's a common soap cliche, so I guess I accept it--it's like when someone on a show calls someone up and makes plans, they hardly ever seem to say where and when...)

[E.Davis]

Hilty's song for Monday about Marilyn's childhood Piano is really beautiful.

[Eos]

Apologies if this has already been posted, but I thought this was a pretty interesting read.

Put me in the "love" camp, but Murray's criticism of the major and minor flaws is very thoughtful.
Matthew Murray Article