We're less than five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes away from the season 2 premiere of NBC's hotly debated musical drama 'Smash,' but still the casting wheels keep on turning.  The series has experienced a number of cast and creative turnover since its first season, including either of Julia (Debra Messing)'s love interests, leaving plenty room to fill, but what former 'Law & Order' star and 'Rent' alum will cover her when season 2 premieres?

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Broadway babies and 'Smash' fans alike will be delighted to learn that the musical drama's second season has cast 'Rent' originator and former NBC detective Jesse L. Martin in a recurring role, to begin when the series returns in early 2013.  Most famous for his 1994 portrayal of "Tom Collins" in the famed Jonathan Larson musical 'Rent,' Martin will take the 'Smash' role of Scott Welker, an artistic director at a theater company and a potential love interest to Debra Messing's Julia.

Julia will be in no shortage of love interests this season, even as 'Smash's second year ditched actors Brian D’Arcy James (Julia’s husband Frank) and Will Chase (Julia’s lover Michael).  Also present for the second season is 'Rescue Me' vet Daniel Sunjata, playing another love interest for Messing's character.

No stranger to NBC after his nine years spent Detective Ed Green of 'Law & Order,' Martin joins an impressive season alongside 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 Jesse L. Martin to 'Smash's second season give you renewed hope for the oft-maligned series?  What broadway stars would you liek to see added to the ranks?  Tell us what you want to see from 'Smash' season 2 in the comments!

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