‘Smash’ Season 2 Plot Details Emerge, A New Musical?

Considering that NBC musical hit 'Smash' only aired thirteen episodes beginning at mid-season this year, and won't return until 2013, it might be difficult to have a clear sense of the show given all the recent changes, and castings we've heard about.  Still, with so many season 1 plot lines thrown out the window, what's going to dominate 'Smash' season 2 when it bows next year? 

According to a report from Playbill, NBC's Broadway drama 'Smash' is seeking new composers to write songs.  Not because Tony Award-winning composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are departing in any way, mind you, but because 'Smash' will be starting up a rival musical to the in-show "Bombshell!"  Shaiman and Wittman themselves will seek out the writers and composers to write songs for season 2.

The addition of another musical would certainly be supported by the recent casting of Andy Mientus as Kyle, a poor young writer from Brooklyn with starry dreams of writing for Broadway.  Supposedly, several members of "Bombshell," which ran with a decent Boston preview on its way to Broadway in the season finale, will jump ship to the new musical.  That would certainly make sense for Ivy (Megan Hilty), who ended up spurned and pill-popping by Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) eclipsing her as Marilyn Monroe.

Given that the Playbill article draws comparison to certain Broadway rivalries like 'Once' versus 'Newsies,' or 'Avenue Q' versus 'Wicked,' it remains unknown if a new musical would similarly adapt the story of Marilyn Monroe, or showcase different material altogether.

Elsewhere, Mientus joins  'Newsies' star Jeremy Jordan and the recently-added Jennifer Hudson in replacing the departing cast of the first season, including Raza Jaffrey (Dev), Jaime Cepero (Ellis), Brian D’Arcy James (Julia’s husband Frank) and Will Chase (Julia’s lover Michael). 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.  Still yet to be cast is the series regular role of  “Courtney,” a member of the chorus.

What say you?  Do you think a new musical will give a boost to the critically-snubbed 'Smash,' or end up twice the flop?  What would you like to see from 'Smash' season 2?  Sing your song in the comments below!