Jennifer Hudson Was Absent from Broadway’s Smash Opening Night
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The highly anticipated opening night of Broadway’s Smash brought out a star-studded crowd, but fans were surprised to see Jennifer Hudson missing from the event. Hudson, known for her role in season 2 of the fan-favorite NBC drama and as one of the musical’s producers, was noticeably absent from the premiere at the Imperial Theatre in New York City.
As photographers captured celebrities walking the red carpet, including Billy Crystal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and Debra Messing, Hudson was nowhere to be found. The EGOT winner had a valid reason for her absence – she was filming an episode of her self-titled talk show in Los Angeles, unable to be in two places at once.
Despite missing opening night, Hudson made sure to show her support from afar. In a video shared on her Instagram, she expressed her excitement for the production and sent love and cheers to the cast and crew. She promised viewers a show filled with favourite songs from the series and exciting surprises that they would love.
Smash, featuring original songs from Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, has been adapted for the Broadway stage with a new comedic twist. The musical follows the making of a fictional Marilyn musical named Bombshell, focusing on the character Ivy Lynn, played by Robyn Hurder, in a meta take on the role made famous by Megan Hilty.
Directed by Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Joshua Bergasse, Smash boasts a stellar cast of Broadway talents alongside Hurder, including Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, and Kristine Nielsen. The production promises to captivate audiences with its impressive performances and innovative storytelling.
Tickets for Smash are now available for purchase, offering theatre enthusiasts the chance to witness this exciting adaptation live on stage. The musical’s move to Broadway has generated significant buzz, drawing attention from both fans of the TV series and newcomers eager to experience the magic of live theatre.
As the theatre community eagerly awaits the reviews and audience reactions to Smash on Broadway, Jennifer Hudson’s absence on opening night serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment required of performers juggling multiple projects. Despite her physical absence, Hudson’s enthusiastic support for the production and the talented cast and crew shines through, adding to the anticipation surrounding this new theatrical adaptation.