Many eyes will be on the second season of NBC's oft-debated musical drama 'Smash,' not only for the immense cavalcage of guest stars lined up for the second season, but also to see if the series manages to overcome many of the criticisms hurdled at the first season.  Certainly, 'Smash' season 2 isn't at a loss for musical talent, the latest addition being former 'Rent' star and originator Daphne Rubin-Vega, but what about her appearance will inevitably disappoint fans?

Another high-profile theatre guest star has been added to the second season of NBC's mid-season musical soap opera 'Smash,' and many 'Rent' fans aren't going to be too happy about it.  According to Entertainment Weekly, the NBC drama has tapped former 'Rent' star Daphne Rubin-Vega to portray a Broadway publicist when the series returns at mid-season.

So what's the catch?  Well, for one, the actress won't share any scenes with her former co-star and fellow 'Rent' originator Jesse L. Martin, appearing here as a theater's artistic director and possible love interest to Julia (Deborah Messing).  Not only that, but Vega won't in fact be singing at all!  Sheesh, why bother?

Vega and Martin make up additions to an already-packed guest roster for ‘Smash’ season 2, including Bernadette Peters, ‘Hairspray’s Nikki Blonsky, Debra Messing’s former ‘Will & Grace’ star Sean Hayes, Krysta Rodriguez as Karen’s new roommate Ana,  Andy Mientus, ‘Newsies’ star Jeremy Jordan, and ‘American Idol’ vet Jennifer Hudson.  As previously reported, season 2 will also see the departure of show-runner and creator Theresa Rebeck, with former ‘Gossip Girl‘ EP Josh Safran stepping in.

What say you?  Does adding Vega to ‘Smash’s second season give you renewed hope for the oft-maligned series, even with the 'Rent' snub?  What Broadway stars would you like to see added to the ranks?  Tell us what you want to see from ‘Smash’ season 2 in the comments!

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