Smash is going all out with big and bold casting choices for season 2, with the likes of Jennifer Hudson on board. Now comes word that the Liza with a Z star Liza Minnelli will be guest starring as herself in an episode titled “The Surprise Party.” (An exact air date is unknown at this time.)
NBC Mid-Season Schedule: Smash, Community and More Premiere Dates >>>
And following in the footsteps of Bernadette Peters, it would only be fair to have this Broadway star sing as well. Liza will perform an original song with Christian Borle, who plays Tom. The song is written by executive producers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment, said in a press release, “Liza Minnelli is the essence of a multi-talented, singular show business sensation, particularly for her extraordinary contributions to Broadway. So what could be more fitting than to have her legendary talent on a show that celebrates a world Liza has dazzled for decades? I had the pleasure of working with Liza when we restored her landmark television special Liza with a Z at Showtime, and to see her artistry up close and personal is a thing to behold.”
While we’re waiting for spring to roll around to see Liza Minnelli on Smash, let’s take a look back at a few other guest starring roles she has taken on, including this first one where she also plays herself and covers Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” in Sex and the City 2:
Going back to 1979, Liza appeared on The Muppet Show and not only acted, but she also performed such songs as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” the song Bernadette Peters sang on Smash season 1.
And finally, here’s Liza showing off her comedic acting chops on Arrested Development when Buster tells Liza’s character, Lucille, that there’s another Lucille more important in his life right now:
Are you looking forward to seeing Liza Minnelli on Smash? If so, should she instead be playing a fictional character or are you fine with her playing herself?
Smash season 2 premieres February 5 at 9pm on NBC. Besides Liza, other guest stars set to appear include Jennifer Hudson, Sean Hayes and Jesse L. Martin.
Want to add Smash to your very own watch-list? Download BuddyTV Guide for free for your phone.
(Image courtesy of WENN; videos courtesy of HBO, CBS and FOX)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
