"Smash" Season 2 is looking to up its musical game. In a new interview with Variety, NBC's Bob Greenblatt revealed details on Season 2 of the Broadway-themed musical drama, specifically that there will be a new musical competing with "Bombshell," the Marilyn Monroe show that was the backbone of Season 1.
In addition to the new fictional musical, Greenblatt said Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the men behind "Smash's" music, are recruiting composers and lyricists to write for Season 2. There will be new songs for "Bombshell" as it makes its way to Broadway and also for the new musical that starts competing with the show for attention and accolades. Look for some "Bombshell" cast members to defect to the new musical.
The show is looking for people with experience, but who haven't had a show on Broadway. "I love the idea that out of this show we'll be able to give some new composers a huge break," Greenblatt said. "We thought it was a great way to open up the sound of our show too."
Season 2 will feature at least three new characters, two series regulars played by Jeremy Jordan and Andy Mientus and Jennifer Hudson in the recurring role of Veronica Moore, a Tony-winner.
But with the new faces come some departures of original cast members. Jaime Cepero (Ellis), Raza Jaffrey (Dev), Will Chase (Michael Swift) and Brian d'Arcy James (Frank) will not return as series regulars. D'Arcy James confirmed he'll return for at least one episode.
Additionally, creator and executive producer Theresa Rebeck has been replaced as showrunner by "Gossip Girl" veteran Josh Safran. Greenblatt told Variety Season 1's storytelling had some rough areas.
"We weren't consistent enough in how our character arcs were playing out," Greenblatt said. "We needed to smooth out those arcs, and Josh is really suited to doing those kinds of stories."
"Smash" will return to NBC in early 2013. Click through photos of "Smash" Season 1 below.
