Behind the Curtain: 'Smash' returns to depressed ratings, more

'Smash'
After weeks of hype about how it had been revamped from top to bottom, the second season of the Broadway musical-themed dramedy "Smash" premiered on Tuesday night to a Neilsen rating lower than any that it received during its first season. On a positive note, "Broadway, Here I Come!" a new song by songwriter Joe Iconis that was performed by new "Smash" co-star Jeremy Jordan, made the iTunes Pop Chart, as first reported by Playbill.com.

'Les Miz' sneaks back in 'Forbidden Broadway'
Although "Les Miz" is not currently back on Broadway (at least not yet), the musical's new film version has provided "Forbidden Broadway" with a new opportunity to take a few shots at the musical, which has always been an easy target for parody. I got an early look at Gerard Alessandrini's new lyrics, which skewer the looks, singing abilities and performances of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway, and can report that they display his trademark wit.

'The Heiress' to break even before closing
Although the Broadway revival of "The Heiress" received somewhat unenthusiastic reviews, it's weekly grosses picked up considerably once Jessica Chastain's performance in the film "Zero Dark Thirty" got Oscar buzz. The show's producers announced Monday that the revival is expected to recoup its $3 million capitalization costs by the time it closes this week.

Apathetic reviews for 'Moose Murders' revival
Last week marked the opening of an off-off-Broadway revival of "Moose Murders," Arthur Bicknell's notorious Broadway flop, which is considered by many to be the most idiotic play of all time. This time the reviews did not express shock and horror so much as bewilderment at the impulse to revive such a play.

'Bad Jews' to make Off-Broadway return
Joshua Harmon's comedic drama "Bad Jews," which scored strong reviews when it premiered at Roundabout's tiny black-box space during the fall, will graduate to the company's more prestigious Off-Broadway theater next fall. "Bad Jews" explores the fight that ensues between three cousins who each treats their religious faith differently and are currently fighting over a necklace their grandfather saved during the Holocaust.

'Superman's' secret identity is revealed
Last weekend Cheyenne Jackson, who seemed like the obvious choice to play the Man of Steel in the City Center Encores! upcoming revival of the 1960s pop art musical "It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman," tweeted he was "hanging up the tights," having played the part twice before. On Thursday, Encores! said that the role would go to Edward Watts, who recently appeared in "Scandalous." No word yet on Lois Lane.

Spotted ...
Katie Holmes and daughter Suri Cruise at "Cinderella" ... Joan Rivers at "Forbidden Broadway."