There is plenty to love about Smash, NBC’s much-hyped love letter to Broadway. The drama that stars American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee as the fresh-faced new talent in the big city v. the seasoned Broadway veteran (played by real-life Broadway vet Megan Hilty of Wicked and 9 to 5: The Musical fame) airs tonight!

In additon to McPhee and Hilty exercising their vocal prowess while vying for the lead role in Marilyn: The Musical, the show also stars Will and Grace alumna Debra Messing as Marilyn: The Musical’s co-creator, and Hollywood royalty Angelica Huston as the show’s financier.

If that’s not enough to entice you to watch, iconic lesbian stand-up comic Kate Clinton makes an appearance in the pilot!

Here’s an extended Smash promo that included interviews with McPhee, Hilty, Messing and more...

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