Bombshell, the fictional musical in NBC's Smash that musicalizes the life story of Marilyn Monroe, came to life for a one-night-only concert June 7 at the Minskoff Theatre, featuring most of the original Smash cast reuniting.
Boasting a score by Tony Award-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman—including standout songs "Let Me Be Your Star" and "They Just Keep Moving the Line"—the musical was created throughout the two seasons of Smash, featuring both Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) and Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) in the leading role.
The concert cast also included featured original Smash stars Hilty, McPhee, Christian Borle, Will Chase, Debra Messing, Brian d'Arcy James, Ann Harada, Jeremy Jordan, Leslie Odom, Jr., Wesley Taylor and Jaime Cepero, as well as a special guest for the evening, Donna McKechnie.
While many of the performances remained true to the TV show, there were a few fun surprises....Donna McKechnie
While the role of Marilyn's mother was played by Tony winner Bernadette Peters on Smash, Marilyn's mother's songs were performed by another Tony winner at the concert: Donna McKechnie, who is currently serving as Chita Rivera's standby for The Visit.
"The National Pastime"
Viewers of Smash were treated to a full performance of this song in the pilot, but the performance on the stage of the Minskoff Theatre took the sexual innuendos of the snappy song to an entirely new level. Packed with verbal and physical double entendres, "The National Pastime" introduces Marilyn to baseball with an entire team of backup singers and dancers who are more than happy to help her.
Ann Harada Sings "Never Met a Wolf Who Didnt Love to Howl"
Ann Harada, who appeared on Smash as the stage manager Linda, did not sing any lengthy solos on the TV show. But at the benefit performance, she took the stage to perform the jazzy number "I Never Met a Wolf Who Didn't Love to Howl." Harada, who was last seen on Broadway in Cinderella and has also appeared in 9 to 5, Les Misérables and Avenue Q, gave a passionate performance of the number Marilyn's U.S.O. number.
Jeremy Jordan Singing "Cut, Print, Moving On"
Jeremy Jordan appeared on Season 2 of "Smash" as troubled songwriter Jimmy Collins. His character was not involved in Bombshell, but Jordan appeared at the concert to open the second act with a powerful performance of Marilyn's solo "Cut, Print, Moving On."
Wesley Taylor in "Public Relations"
Wesley Taylor, who played chorus boy Bobby on "Smash," made a surprise appearance in the song "Public Relations," playing a reporter who questions (and dances with) Marilyn, a role played by recent Tony winner Christian Borle in the TV performance.
Brian d'Arcy James
Brian d'Arcy James, who played Julia's husband Frank, did not perform any songs on Smash. But at the Bombshell concert he gave a moving performance of "The Right Regrets," a song that the concert credited to the character of Arthur Miller, Monroe's third husband.
