If you like "Smash"...

My latest TV obsession is the new NBC show "Smash," which (if you haven't seen it) gives a behind-the-scenes look at a new Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe, from the perspective of the writers, producers, and actors. This week, J. and I plowed through the first three episodes, and I was struck by how engrossing the show is, almost like a theater-based version of "The West Wing." I was really left wanting more. I can't wait for the new episode on Monday, and I'm turning to some of my favorite books (fiction and non) about the theater to fill the gap until then.


You're looking for: a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional (musical) theater.


You might like: Bethel Merriday by Sinclair Lewis (review); Sing Out, Louise!: 150 Stars of the Musical Theatre Remember 50 Years on Broadway by Dennis McGovern and Deborah Grace Winer; The Confessions of Edward Day by Valerie Martin; Next Season by Michael Blakemore; The Show Makers: Great Directors of the American Musical Theater by Lawrence Thelen; The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway by William Goldman.

Can you think of any favorites to add to the list? Are you enjoying "Smash" as much as I am?

And have you seen the documentary Every Little Step, about the casting and production process for the revival of A Chorus Line? It's one of my favorite musicals, and I'm saving this to watch this weekend.