Take “Glee,” subtract the fake high school, add incredible talent like Katharine McPhee, and original music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and you have the new show “Smash.”  The pilot of “Smash” premiered on Feb. 6, but all it takes is one episode to be hooked on to this riveting drama about making it on Broadway in New York City.

While the story line focuses on six people, it is relatively easy to understand. It follows Karen Cartwright (McPhee), a struggling actress from Iowa who has yet to be discovered.  She is close to getting her big break when she auditions for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a Broadway musical based on the star’s life, written by Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle).  Throw in some personal problems and a rival for the role, Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) who looks and sounds like Monroe, and the show turns into an absolutely must-watch.

One of the most remarkable things about “Smash” is its musical numbers.  As opposed to shows like “Glee,” its music is both original and sung at logical times.  Shaiman and Wittman outdo themselves with songs like “The National Pastime,” or, as it is more commonly referred to in the show, the baseball number.  A highly amusing and hilariously sexual song about Monroe’s courtship with Joe DiMaggio entails, making viewers howl with laughter while trying to wrap their heads around the marvelous choreography.

Because almost every song is sung in an audition or as a test run of a musical number for the writers, directors, and producers of the show, the musical aspect feels more realistic.  The pure logic of it is a refreshing change from most musical shows, in which songs are essentially put in at random times in public.

Although I’ve only seen the pilot, “Smash” has promise.  Its talented cast and stellar music will take it far, and I’d recommend it to anybody with a love of music or a thirst for the theater.

There will be new episodes of “Smash” every Monday at 10 pm on NBC and the latest episode is already on NBC.

Martha Schick is a Managing Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com