The Broadway cast of Smash has already headed into the recording studio to record a cast album, and the show is offering a first listen to "Let Me Be Your Star." Listen above.
In the upcoming stage version, the series favorite song will appear several times, allowing audiences to watch the tune evolve into the showstopper that earned a 2012 Primetime Emmy Award nomination. This first look shows the version of the song that opens the show.
The forthcoming album will be released by Concord Theatricals Recordings on a date to be announced. The new musical will play the Imperial Theatre beginning March 11 prior to an official opening April 10.
Leading the company will be Robyn Hurder (Moulin Rouge! the Musical) as Ivy and Caroline Bowman (Frozen) as Karen. They will be joined by 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, Jacqueline B. Arnold (Moulin Rouge!) as Anita, Bella Coppola (Six) as Chloe, Casey Garvin (Some Like It Hot) as Charlie, and Nicholas Matos in his Broadway debut as Scott.
The company also includes Wendi Bergamini, Sarah Bowden, Jacob Burns, Deanna Cudjoe, Chelle Denton, Daniel Gaymon, Merritt David Janes, Ndaya Dream Hoskins, Megan Kane, David Paul Kidder, Ian Liberto, Libby Lloyd, McGee Maddox, Connor McRory, J Savage, Jake Trammel, and Katie Webber.
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 will be 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).
Five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman is directing, with Joshua Bergasse continuing his work from the NBC series as choreographer. 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, and music supervisor Stephen Oremus. Casting is by Bernard Telsey and Kristian Charbonier.
101 Productions, Ltd. will serve as general managers.
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.