Marilyn Monroe is, undeniably, a cultural icon. Understandably, Hollywood wants to tap into the iconic blonde's image, as she is living proof that sex sells. From Michelle Williams' much buzzed-about performance in "My Week With Marilyn" to "Marilyn: The Musical" on NBC's highly anticipated mid-season show "Smash," it seems like the breathy bombshell is everywhere.

"Smash" follows the creative team behind the aforementioned musical. Julia Houston (Debra Messing, "Will and Grace") and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle, "Legally Blonde: The Musical") are the composers, who are entranced by their formerly-failed idea of bringing Marilyn's life to the stage. With the help of producer Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston, "The Addams Family") and director Derek Willis (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean"), it looks like they might actually have a shot at bringing a new musical to life on Broadway. As always, though, there are complications; Derek and Tom do not get along at all, and then there's the issue of who will play Marilyn. Will it be Ivy (Megan Hilty, "9 to 5: The Musical," "Wicked"), the determined chorus girl, or Karen (Katharine McPhee, "American Idol"), a fresh-faced Iowan with a heart of gold and a beautiful voice?

The pilot (which was written by Theresa Rebeck, who also wrote "Poor Behavior" and "Seminar" for the stage this season) mostly occupies itself with outlining these conflicts, but it does so in an engaging way. There are plenty of references and guest appearances that avid Broadway fans will devour, but the show is not alienating to those who are not as intensely passionate about theater as this writer happens to be.

The show is, above all, about people; it just happens to be people who are devoted to making musicals, instead of being a doctor or lawyer or some other profession. And it's a good thing that they're making a musical, as the musical numbers are one of the most delightful parts of the show. Hilty and McPhee are brimming with talent, and it translates well to the screen (though the camerawork could use some sedatives to make it less dizzying). The music, by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray," "Catch Me If You Can") is delightful and quite catchy.

There's some buzz that the producers (which include Steven Spielberg) want to make an actual Broadway show, pending the success of "Smash," so it should be interesting to evaluate the original songs as songs that could possibly appear on the Great White Way in the not-too-distant future. There will also be covers of pop songs, so hopefully they will be incorporated in a realistic way.

All in all, the show was captivating and definitely built up interest for the rest of the season. If it is well-executed throughout the rest of the season, it should be a treat for TV audiences.

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