'Smash' names cast, venue, dates for Broadway premiere

The new musical, adapted from the NBC drama series about the making of a Marilyn Monroe Broadway show, will start performances at the Imperial Theatre in March.

Let them be your stars! The new Broadway musical Smash has set initial casting for its run at the Imperial Theatre, beginning March 11 ahead of an April 10 opening night.

Smash will star Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder as Ivy, two-time Tony nominee Brooks Ashmanskas as Nigel, Krysta Rodriguez as Tracy, John Behlmann as Jerry, two-time Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen as Susan, Caroline Bowman as Karen, Jacqueline B. Arnold as Anita, Bella Coppola as Chloe, and Casey Garvin as Charlie.

The ensemble will include Wendi Bergamini, Sarah Bowden, Jacob Burns, Deanna Cudjoe, Chelle Denton, Daniel Gaymon, Merritt David Janes, Megan Kane, David Paul Kidder, Ian Liberto, Libby Lloyd, McGee Maddox, Connor McRory, J Savage, Jake Trammel, and Katie Webber.

Additional casting has yet to be announced.

Adapted from the NBC TV series Smash created by Theresa Rebeck, the musical follows the on- and offstage drama that takes place during the making of a fictional bio-musical about Marilyn Monroe.

Songs from the TV show plus new material, all written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Some Like It Hot), will be featured in the Broadway show. Additionally, Joshua Bergasse, who choreographed the TV show, will return for the stage adaptation.

Smash also features a book by Rick Elice and Bob Martin, direction by Susan Stroman, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Brian Ronan, projection design by S Katy Tucker, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and music supervision by Stephen Oremus.

Additionally, the show's producers include Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, Steven Spielberg, and Jennifer Hudson, who guest-starred on the Smash TV show.

Check back for information on Smash tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Robyn Hurder, Caroline Bowman, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, and Kristine Nielsen. (Photos courtesy of production)