Anjelica Huston Reflects on Her Experience in NBC’s Smash
Anjelica Huston, known for her role in the NBC musical series Smash, has recently opened up about her dissatisfaction during the show’s production. In an interview with People, Huston discussed her time on the series, which included performances alongside notable stars such as Katherine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Huston portrayed Eileen Rand, a Broadway producer, throughout Smash‘s two-season run before it was canceled in 2013. Reflecting on her experience, she candidly stated, “I wasn’t very happy when I was on that show. I was living in New York and I wasn’t very happy living in New York for the obvious reasons.” The actress described a particularly cold winter and revealed her feelings of inadequacy regarding her role, which led to a difficult emotional landscape. “I didn’t feel very prized in that role. I was a bit depressed by it. It was hard really; I didn’t really have a good time making it,” she confessed.
Personal Loss and Its Impact
During her tenure on Smash, Huston was grappling with the grief of losing her husband, Robert Graham, who passed away in 2008 after 16 years of marriage. “Bob was very special and very irreplaceable,” she reflected. “A lot’s gone on since Bob died,” illustrating the profound personal hardships she faced while balancing her professional life.
A Broadway Revival
Interestingly, Huston’s reflections coincide with the recent opening of a Broadway adaptation of Smash, which premiered to audiences on Thursday night. Produced by industry heavyweights Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg, the show features direction by acclaimed Tony Award winner Susan Stroman.
The cast includes talents such as Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, and Krysta Rodriguez, among others. The musical score, crafted by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, features iconic numbers like “Let Me Be Your Star” and “Don’t Forget Me,” alongside new compositions. Joshua Bergasse, who previously choreographed the television series, re-joins the team as the show’s choreographer.
From Vision to Reality
The journey to bring this stage version to life has spanned several years. Discussions about a Broadway adaptation gained momentum following a successful benefit concert rendition of the musical Bombshell in 2015. Initially slated for a 2020 Broadway debut, the production faced delays, but a developmental workshop in the summer helped pave the way for its eventual realization.
The Storyline of Bombshell
The narrative centers around the high-stakes opening night of Bombshell, a musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. The official synopsis describes the chaos ensuing as Broadway star Ivy Lynn contends with mounting pressures, inadvertently leading to a comedic series of mishaps involving a diva director, a disoriented producer, and a team of frustrated writers, all as the curtain prepares to rise.
Huston’s insights provide a poignant reminder of the challenges actors can face, highlighting the complexities of mental health and personal grief within the entertainment industry.