Watch out, “Glee”! There’s a new TV musical coming to town.
Access Hollywood caught up with Debra Messing on Wednesday at her pal Michael Kors’ Fall 2011 fashion show in NYC and chatted with the former “Will & Grace” star about her new NBC pilot “Smash,” which will focus on the making of a new Broadway musical inspired by Marilyn Monroe.
“It’s kind of like ‘A Chorus Line,’ but behind the scenes,” Messing explained. “I play a lyricist of the musical and it’s going to follow the ins and outs of Broadway.”
Messing also said that one of Hollywood’s biggest directors is involved in the project.
“It’s by Steven Spielberg and the people who produced the movie ‘Chicago’ (Craig Zadan and Neil Meron),” she said.
The NBC musical will also star “American Idol” alum Katherine McPhee, Jack Davenport formerly of ABC’s “FlashForward,” and Megan Hilty who has starred on Broadway in “Wicked” and “9 To 5.” Tony-Award winner Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “American Idiot”) will direct the pilot.
Unlike FOX’s hit TV musical “Glee,” which generally has its stars singing covers of popular songs, the actors of “Smash” will be singing original songs, written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the composers of the Tony-winning “Hairspray” and the upcoming spring Broadway musical adaptation of “Catch Me If You Can.”
As for whether or not Messing will sing on the show, she responded enthusiastically that although she wasn’t sure yet, she would certainly like to.
“I hope I do sing!” she said.
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