‘Smash’ Concludes Iconic Broadway Run
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As the final curtain fell on the Broadway musical “Smash,” audiences were treated to an afternoon filled with laughter, tears, and unexpected surprises at the Imperial Theatre in New York City on Sunday, June 22. The Tony-nominated stage production, which was an adaptation of the popular NBC series chronicling the creation of a fictional Marilyn Monroe bio-musical called “Bombshell,” concluded its run over the weekend after 32 previews and 84 regular performances.
The atmosphere inside the theatre was brimming with love and appreciation as the cast and creative team bid farewell to the show. Multiple standing ovations punctuated the closing performance, particularly for stars Robyn Hurder and Caroline Bowman, who portrayed the iconic characters of Ivy Lynn and Karen Cartwright originally brought to life by Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee on screen.
A highlight of the evening was a surprise cameo by the musical’s award-winning songwriting duo, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The pair made a cameo appearance in the first act, adding a touch of humour and nostalgia to the farewell performance. Their presence on stage was a delightful surprise for the cast and audience alike, adding to the emotional farewell.
Following the final bows, Shaiman and Wittman joined other members of the creative team on stage, including choreographer Joshua Bergasse, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron. Each took a moment to express their gratitude to the exceptional individuals who contributed to bringing “Smash” to life on Broadway.
The closing remarks were filled with emotion as the team thanked co-producer Steven Spielberg, director Susan Stroman, musical supervisor Stephen Oremus, the talented orchestra members, and the exceptional cast who brought their characters to life night after night. The final performance was described as a challenging but rewarding experience for everyone involved, as they bid farewell to their characters and the show.
The heartfelt tributes culminated in emotional words from Shaiman and Wittman, who reflected on the enduring spirit of theatre and the bond created among cast and crew. The closing performance ended on a poignant note, with Shaiman delivering a heartfelt tribute through song, encapsulating the sense of family and camaraderie that defined their time together.
“Smash” featured a repertoire of original songs by Shaiman and Wittman, including beloved hits like “The 20th Century Fox Mambo,” “They Just Keep Moving the Line,” and the Emmy-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star.” The musical also debuted a new song that beautifully rounded off the production, leaving a lasting impression on both the cast and audience.
The ensemble cast of “Smash” brought the characters to life with exceptional talent and dedication. Alongside Hurder, Bowman, and Ashmanskas, stage veterans Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann, Kristine Nielsen, Jacqueline B. Arnold, and others showcased their remarkable skills, making the show a memorable experience for all.
As the curtains closed on “Smash,” the legacy of the musical lives on through the heartfelt performances and enduring memories created on stage. The emotional farewell performance marked the end of an era for the Broadway production, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved and those who had the privilege to witness the magic of “Smash” on stage.
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