Despite the fact that NBC has decided to hold off on raising the curtain on SMASH until early 2012, our excitement cannot be contained. Which is why we thought now might be as good a time as any to share an interview with star Debra Messing, who during a recent stop in Toronto to promote the series opened up about her character, the inevitable comparisons to GLEE and what it’s like working with an all-star ensemble including Anjelica Huston and Katharine McPhee.
What can you tell us about your character Julia and how she fits into the fabric of the show.
Debra Messing: I play Julia, a lyricist who along with her composing partner Tom have been writing Broadway musicals successfully for about 20 years. When you meet us we have decided to take a year off for the first time, because I’m married, have a 15 year old son and my husband and I want to adopt a baby. Then of course this idea about Marilyn Monroe sort of germinates and takes off and all of those plans are sort of turned upside down. So then it really is about this passion project, putting it together and trying to balance a creative life with a real marriage. [Read more…]