Pilot (6 Feb. 2012)

With their latest show "Heaven on Earth" still running on Broadway, the song and book writing team of Julia Houston and Tom Levitt have decided to take a professional break, in part to give... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Mayer

Writers:

Theresa Rebeck (creator), Theresa Rebeck (teleplay and story),

Stars:

Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Debra Messing	...	Julia Houston
Jack Davenport	...	Derek Wills
Katharine McPhee	...	Karen Cartwright
Christian Borle	...	Tom Levitt
Megan Hilty	...	Ivy Lynn
Raza Jaffrey	...	Dev Sundaram
Jaime Cepero	...	Ellis Boyd
Anjelica Huston	...	Eileen Rand
Brian d'Arcy James	...	Frank Houston
Becky Ann Baker	...	Mrs. Cartwright
Dylan Baker	...	Roger Cartwright
Michael Cristofer	...	Jerry Rand
Robert LuPone	...	Jerry's Attorney
Joshua Bergasse	...	Josh
Phillip Spaeth	...	Dennis

Storyline

With their latest show "Heaven on Earth" still running on Broadway, the song and book writing team of Julia Houston and Tom Levitt have decided to take a professional break, in part to give Julia and her husband Frank time to go through an adoption process and in turn allow Julia to be a stay-at-home mom. But a germ of an idea from Tom's new assistant Ellis Tancharoen leads to the thought of writing a new musical based on Marilyn Monroe. A further move by Ellis which could kibosh the idea before it even gets off the ground instead generates buzz around the new project. On board is producer Eileen Rand, who, because of divorce proceedings, is unable to continue work on what would have been her focus of a revival of "My Fair Lady". Eileen wants to hire Derek Wills to direct, much against Tom's wishes as the two hate each other. Julia and Tom believe that their friend Ivy Lynn, who currently performs in the ensemble of "Heaven on Earth", would be perfect to play Marilyn. But during open ...

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Plot Keywords:

adoption

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 February 2012 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Madwoman in the Attic, DreamWorks Television, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Marilyn musical that is continually referenced in the pilot, was a Broadway flop that lasted at the Minskoff for 17 performances. It starred Alyson Reed as Marilyn and Scott Bakula as Joe Dimaggio. It opened on November 20, 1983 and closed on December 3, 1983.

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Quotes

Jerry Rand: You came into this marriage with nothing.
Eileen Rand: Except love.
Jerry Rand: Bringing up love at a divorce proceeding is childish.
Eileen Rand: Screwing every blonde that opens her legs for you is also childish. I guess that makes both of us children.

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Connections

References My Week with Marilyn (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Let Me Be Your Star"
Music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Performed by Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty

User Reviews

NBC Could Finally Have a "Smash" on Their Hands

In the past few years, NBC has been in a long search for finding the next "ER", "Law and Order" or "Seinfeld". Plus, people have also been searching for the next "Glee". Well, people of earth, I'm proud to say that the search is finally over with NBC's "Smash".

Songwriters Julia Houston {Debra Messing, "Will and Grace"} and Tom Levitt {Christian Borle} are creating a brand new musical based on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. Joining them on board is producer Eileen Rand {Anjelica Huston} and director Derek Wills {Jack Davenport}. But it's a battle for stardom as longtime chorus girl Ivy Lynn {Megan Hilty} and outsider Karen Cartwright {Katharine McPhee, "American Idol"} compete for the lead role of Marilyn.

The pilot has a funny and fast-paced start and it really never goes downhill from there. Creator Theresa Rebeck's script is sharp with smart and rib-ticking references to Michael Riedel of the NY Post, "Spider Man: Turn off the Dark" and the 1983 musical flop "Marilyn: An American Fable". The musical numbers give a lively touch to the show, especially a rocking and Billboard destined hit ending duet in the pilot between Karen and Ivy, "Let Me Be Your Star".

The actors are really taking their characters for granted as we are watching. Messing really makes us forget about Grace Adler and makes us start thinking about Julia. Jack Davenport acts like a young version of Alan Rickman. Hilty brings down the house with two numbers in the pilot and McPhee makes a fine impression in the interesting role of Karen.

All in all, this is a witty, fine written and intelligent look at Broadway and a perfect alternative to "Glee". This is truly one show that's sure to find a big audience and to make people fans of Broadway. This is really a show I'm looking forward to watch every week. Let's hope NBC keeps it alive for more seasons to come.

FYI: The show is executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

Rating: 3 and a half stars