In the fourth episode of NBC’s Broadway-centered Smash, entitled “The Cost of Art,” things get pricey as Eileen (Anjelica Huston) begins to search for funds to kickstart the workshop of Marilyn. The drink-hurling producer considers selling a valuable piece of art, but instead ends up wooing special guest star Nick Jonas into opening his hefty checkbook. Meanwhile, Karen (Katharine McPhee) adjusts to life in the chorus now that Ivy (Megan Hilty) has landed the part of Marilyn.
Biggest Lesson Learned: Doesn’t Eileen remember anything Max Bialystock said in The Producers? "Never put your own money in the show!" While she initially considers that option, by the episode’s end, Eileen takes Bialy’s advice and hits up child star-turned-gazillionaire Lyle West (Jonas) for the $200K needed for Marilyn’s workshop. Way to avoid “Little Old Lady Land!”
Most Familiar Intervention: Marilyn ensemble member Bobby (new cast member Wesley Taylor) teams up with Jessica (fellow Broadway vet Savannah Wise) to give Karen a crash course in how to get by in a world of spotlight-hungry blondes. How very Mean Girls. Think Smash scribe Theresa Rebeck saw Taylor as the gay BFF in our imagined musical casting of the popular high school flick? Hmm…
Most Spontaneous Catering Gig: All cater waiters are really actors, right? So if you pull them into your impromptu backers’ audition at a swanky birthday party, they’re sure to pick up the choreography in less than a minute. Right? Right. Case in point: the dance-friendly catering staff at Derek's shindig, who jump right in when Ivy previews the jump-jivin' Marilyn tune “Wolf to Howl.”
Biggest Super Fan Range: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying cutie Nick Jonas plays Lyle, a TV star who strikes gold when his show goes into syndication. In an attempt to showcase his manhood (and seduce Ivy), Lyle takes to the piano to croon Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet.” Way to appeal to the tween demographic and their moms, NBC!
Reality TV Moments: We’ve seen them dance on Broadway before, but Wesley Taylor (The Addams Family) and Savannah Wise (Ragtime) really strut their hand-clapping choreography during Karen’s rendition of Adele’s “Rumor Has It.” While they play actors eternally stuck in the ensemble, these two Broadway alums know more about being featured players in real life. Also, be sure to look out for original Avenue Q cast member Ann Harada as the musical's stage manager. Another dose of reality? Check out the plug for real-life shoe mecca LaDuca as Karen is introduced to the store for the first time. Sheesh, Iowa. (Um, that's her nickname.) How could you not know about it?!