Smash Changes

I’m also a big fan of the tv show, but I gotta say that I think making big changes for the stage is smart. I love the tv show, but it was not a success and was critically panned after the first few episodes. Why do the same thing? From what I’ve heard from friends that saw the workshop, this will be extremely different and we’ve just barely been subject to the big changes coming our way. They’re trying to write a new musical that will stand on its own and not just cater to fans of the tv show, and I can’t wait!!

rannells_renthead.11 said: "Very excited for this talented cast and how they work together! Especially excited for Krysta's return to Smash and to hear Caroline Bowman and Robyn Hurder's wonderful voices. However, I'm a bit worried about the amount of changes they've made to the TV show. I know that changes in the journey from the source material to Broadway are inevitable, but with this show, it feels a bit extreme. It only keeps the same broad gist and the chopped-up remains of Let Me Be Your Star. The characters are all extremely different, mainly the status of Ivy and Karen. Apparently in the new musical, Ivy is already a Broadway pro, and Karen will have been in the business for a long time but to no avail. As a superfan of the TV show, these changes are somewhat upsetting though I try to remain flexible. Changing those key details about the main protagonists almost makes the show lose thatenticing magic of everyone just trying to make it on Broadway. Also, I think a part of me died listening to the new "Let Me Be Your Star". Robyn knocked it out of the park and I could listen to her sing anything, but why did they have to change the classic version so much :( But this is all merely me being an annoying fan and complaining, but I'll be seeing the Broadway version soon and will be holding onto any optimism until then."

A reminder that there is still a ballad version of Let Me Be Your Star in tact (tho Robyn doesn’t sing it), however, yes the stage show is completely different. The more I hear, tho, the more curious I am about it. I do love the series, but as mentioned, it wasn’t very well written and left room for improvement.

I don’t have any links, but I know I read an article recently that noted there have also been big changes post-workshop as far as the book goes. Something about a happier ending and overall less dark tone, which - given what I heard happened in the workshop, plotwise - feels like a good decision.

Zeppie2022 said: ""I’m also a big fan of the tv show, but I gotta say that I think making big changes for the stage is smart. I love the tv show, but it was not a success and was critically panned after the first few episodes. Why do the same thing?"

SMASH was weekly TV series with one-hour episodes, so they decided they needed more storylines than just a show trying to make it to Broadway. TV show got panned because those episodes was like the show was trying to be "soap opera" instead of concentration on the theme of the show. Very simply, the Broadway show could have just cut things like Karen's idiot BF, Ellis and Julia's family storyline for example. Instead of Ivy being addicted to drugs in the TV show, have her get sick (COVID ?) before out of town opening and Karen knocks it out of the park with excellent reviews. Ivy recovers and then the question for the producers is whether Ivy should get the part back. I don't think they had to totally revamp the show. We shall see soon and hope it is successful."

Covid/illness wouldn’t make any sense at all…why would a show fire the lead for having a genuine illness that she would easily get over?

"Covid/illness wouldn’t make any sense at all…why would a show fire the lead for having a genuine illness that she would easily get over?"

Because in the out-of-town tryout, the understudy knocked it out of the park and got great reviews. I get your point, and it does make sense but just trying to have another way beside drug problem to make there be a competition between Ivy and Karen like the TV show. I was just hoping the Broadway show would be more like the TV show with some major cuts like the ones I mentioned. We shall see shortly if all the changes work.