The series will not only star multiple stage veterans, but will include songs written by Catch Me If You Can songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) and was shot in New York City.
The series, 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 (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra 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 (Katherine McPhee)—who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds—and stage veteran (Megan 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."
To check out the clips from "Smash," look below: