Behind the Scenes: Smash Shoots a Times Square Fantasy
Playbill captured an exclusive behind-the-scenes moment as the television musical Smash staged an elaborate fantasy sequence in the heart of Times Square. Series stars Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty perform a spirited rendition of the Rihanna song “Cheers (I’ll Drink To That)” while show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron discuss the creative approach and scope of the production.
The Times Square sequence stands out for its cinematic scale and theatrical ambition: bright city lights, a bustling urban backdrop repurposed into a musical tableau, and a cast that blends television and stage sensibilities. The scene is presented as a fantasy number, a storytelling device that allows the series to transition from plot-driven drama to a fully staged musical moment without constraints of location or realism. Viewers see costuming, choreography and camera work aligned to create the kind of large-scale musical set piece more commonly associated with Broadway or film musicals.
Producers Zadan and Meron speak candidly about the show’s influences and its place in the evolving landscape of televised musical entertainment. They specifically acknowledge the impact of the hit series Glee, crediting it with opening doors for more ambitious musical programming on network television. As Zadan notes in the Playbill segment, Glee helped break new ground and made space for different kinds of musical storytelling. At the same time, the producers emphasize that Smash charts its own course creatively and is not intended as an imitation of earlier shows.
The sequence featuring McPhee and Hilty highlights the show’s dual focus: intimate character-driven drama and larger-than-life musical numbers. Both performers bring vocal strength and stage presence to the scene, and the fantasy framework gives the production team latitude to blend choreography, camera movement and lighting design in service of a single, memorable moment. Such sequences demonstrate how Smash aims to bridge the conventions of serialized television with the spectacle of musical theater.
From a production standpoint, filming a musical fantasy in a landmark location like Times Square requires precise coordination. Crews must manage timing, sound, and choreography against the backdrop of a high-traffic urban environment while preserving the illusion of a contained musical world. The result is a polished sequence that reads as both cinematic and theatrical, offering viewers an immersive experience that advances the show’s musical themes and character arcs.
Playbill and other media outlets covered the shoot, noting the collaborative effort behind the camera as well as the performers’ on-screen chemistry. In the clip, Zadan and Meron outline how Smash seeks to honor the traditions of musical theater while exploring serialized storytelling for television audiences. Their remarks reflect a thoughtful stance: acknowledging peers and predecessors while maintaining a distinct creative identity.
Smash premiered on NBC on Monday, February 6 at 10 pm, introducing audiences to its blend of backstage drama and show-stopping musical numbers. The Times Square fantasy sequence is an early example of the ambitions driving the series—pushing network television production values while staying grounded in character and narrative.
For fans of musical television and anyone curious about the mechanics of staging large-scale musical moments on location, the behind-the-scenes footage offers a revealing look at how creative decisions, technical expertise and performer talent come together to produce a single striking sequence. The scene underscores Smash’s goal: to bring the energy and immediacy of musical theater to a broadcast audience in bold, contemporary fashion.
Source: Playbill, Huffington Post