NBC’s musical drama Smash is set to have an Oscar nominated guest star. Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction) has a five-episode arc on the new show which debuts on February 6, 2011. According to NBC, Thurman will play a “famous and somewhat difficult movie star who flirts with the idea of starring in Marilyn, the musical within the musical.”
Uma Thurman’s other credits include Kill Bill Volume I and 2, Dangerous Liaisons, Henry & June, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Mad Dog and Glory, Beautiful Girls, The Truth About Cats & Dogs, Gattaca, Batman & Robin, Paycheck, and Be Cool.
Smash – The Plot:
Smash is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a “smash.” The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, Legally Blonde: The Musical) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, Will & Grace). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Tony Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James, Shrek The Musical).
A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee, American Idol) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty, 9 to 5: The Musical), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, Prizzi’s Honor) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director, Derek (Jack Davenport, Pirates of the Caribbean films) – whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality.
Jaime Cepero (Porgy and Bess) stars as Ellis, and Raza Jaffrey (Sex and the City 2) stars as Dev.
