The Broadway production of “Smash,” which chronicles the backstage antics of a fictional Broadway-bound Marilyn Monroe-themed musical, will honor the late cultural icon. In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, West 45th Street, where “Smash” plays at the Imperial Theatre, will be rebranded “Marilyn Mon-Row” for one day, June 1, the 99th anniversary of the late Monroe’s birthday.
“We are so excited to be partnering with the hit new Broadway musical ‘Smash’ to celebrate Marilyn Monroe with Marilyn Mon-Row, a street renaming that pays homage to one of the entertainment industry’s most well known names, in one of the entertainment industry’s most well known cities,” said NYC Mayor’s Office commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman in a statement. “Broadway has a unique ability to bring audiences from around the world to enjoy best-in class entertainment, featuring the best talent, the best theaters and the best experiences, such as ‘Smash’ at the Imperial Theatre, and the celebration of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday. Congratulations to all organizers of this event for creating such a fun moment in history.”
“Smash” will honor Monroe through an additional city partnership, this one through the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Also on June 1, Bella Coppola, who plays Chloe in “Smash,” will offer a performance from the musical at 6:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center Oculus, which will be lit up in “Smash”’s signature red all night.
Inside the Imperial Theatre, ticket holders for the 3 p.m. performance on June 1 will receive a complimentary cupcake from Carlo’s Bakery, as a nod to a critical, confection-based plot point within the musical. Finally, June 1 theatergoers are encouraged to don their best Monroe-inspired outfit.
Featuring a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a book by Bob Martin and Rick Elice, “Smash” is inspired by the NBC series of the same name. The Susan Stroman-helmed and Joshua Bergasse-choreographed musical began previews on March 11 and opened on April 10. The production, which features musical direction by Paul Staroba and music supervision by Stephen Oremus, is currently nominated for two 2025 Tony Awards, including nods for Bergasse and featured player Brooks Ashmanskas.
The principal cast of “Smash” includes Robyn Hurder as Ivy, Ashmanskas as Nigel, Krysta Rodriguez as Tracy, John Behlmann as Jerry, Kristine Nielsen as Susan, Caroline Bowman as Karen, Jacqueline B. Arnold as Anita, Coppola as Chloe, Casey Garvin as Charlie, Nicholas Matos as Scott and Megan Kane as Holly. Casting is by Bernard Telsey and Kristian Charbonier.
“Smash” is produced by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg.
