Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot), the series will also star stage actors Megan Hilty (Wicked), Christian Borle (Legally Blonde), Brian d'Arcy James (Shrek) and include original songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can).
"Smash," according to NBC, "centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe—written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Borle) and Julia (Messing). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (McPhee)—who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds—and stage veteran (Hilty), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Anjelica Huston) discovers the 'Marilyn' project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport)—whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality."
Besides chatting about the plot of "Smash," the stars discuss how the television show will differ from "Glee," which singers will be featured in the upcoming season and who came up with the original concept for the series—Messing accidentally spills the beans.
To see the cast chat about "Smash," look below: