“Smash” Creators Developing “Bombshell” for the Stage

The creators of NBC’s behind-the-Broadway-scenes drama “Smash” have announced they’re officially working on a stage version of “Bombshell,” the fictional musical at the center of the two-season series.

The musical, which features an original score by Tony-winning “Hairspray” composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman, chronicles the life of Marilyn Monroe. The 22 songs penned for the show include “The National Pastime,” “History Is Made at Night” and the Emmy and Grammy-nominated hit “Let Me Be Your Star.”

Shaiman and Wittman are working alongside “Smash” producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan (NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!”), and Chairman of NBC Entertainment Robert Greenblatt. Steven Spielberg, who also served as an executive producer on the series, will also be involved in the new production, as will Joshua Bergasse, whose Emmy-winning choreography was on display during the show’s biggest numbers.

“There is a still a lot of love for ‘Smash’ and a rabid fan base out there,” Greenblatt said, in a press release announcing the production. “We’re thrilled to be able to keep the dream alive as we work towards bringing ‘Bombshell’ to theatre audiences.”

The “Bombshell” news comes just weeks after a record-breaking one-night-only benefit reunion concert, which was presented at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre and raised $800,000 for the Actors Fund.

None of the NBC show’s stars -- including Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, Will Chase, or two-time Tony winner Christian Borle -- are attached to the production, though Hilty told NBC New York that she would be “thrilled” to be a part of “Bombshell” in the future.

No book writer has been announced for the stage production, nor is it clear whether Broadway is necessarily on its horizons. “Smash” was created by playwright Theresa Rebeck.

Universal, who has also produced musicals like “Wicked” and “Billy Elliot,” will produce “Bombshell” as well.

This won’t be the first time a musical of Marilyn Monroe’s life has hit the stage. “Marilyn: An American Fable” opened on Broadway in 1983. It was largely considered a flop, closing after 17 performances.

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