Robyn Hurder Channels Marilyn Monroe in Broadway’s SMASH and Inspires Neo-Pointillist Art
(© Tricia Baron)
Marilyn Monroe’s timeless allure is lighting up New York City in 2025, from the Broadway stage to a prestigious art gallery. At the Imperial Theatre, Tony nominee Robyn Hurder dazzles as the Hollywood icon in SMASH, a musical adaptation of the hit NBC series. Meanwhile, Marilyn’s image takes on new life in a vibrant portrait by neo-pointillist artist Semadar, unveiled at Carlton Fine Arts on Madison Avenue. Through Hurder’s captivating performance and Semadar’s innovative artistry, Monroe’s legacy shines brighter than ever.
Robyn Hurder Becomes Marilyn in SMASH
The Imperial Theatre is ablaze with the energy of SMASH, which opened on April 10, 2025, bringing the drama and glamour of the TV series to Broadway. Directed by Susan Stroman and featuring a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the musical dives into the chaotic creation of Bombshell, a fictional Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe’s life. At its core is Robyn Hurder, who delivers a show-stopping performance as both Ivy Lynn, a seasoned theater star, and Marilyn herself in the show-within-a-show.
Hurder’s portrayal is a masterclass in capturing Monroe’s essence—her sultry charisma, playful charm, and underlying vulnerability. She navigates the musical’s demanding vocals and dynamic choreography by Joshua Bergasse with ease, earning raves for her star power. One of the production’s most unforgettable moments recreates Marilyn’s iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955), where her white halter dress billows up over a New York City subway grate, teasingly revealing her underwear. Costume designer Alejo Vietti’s stunning recreation of this dress, alongside other sexy, era-evoking outfits, amplifies Hurder’s transformation into the blonde bombshell. From a glamorous fur coat ensemble to a sparkling nod to Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, each costume underscores Marilyn’s magnetic style.
The cast, including Brooks Ashmanskas as director Nigel and Krysta Rodriguez as lyricist Tracy, delivers Broadway polish, though the book by Rick Elice and Bob Martin leans into sharp humor over emotional depth. Fan-favorite songs like “Let Me Be Your Star” and “Don’t Forget Me” soar, joined by new numbers crafted for the stage. X posts from theatergoers buzz with praise for Hurder’s electrifying performance, though some critics note the script’s cynical take on Marilyn’s struggles. Still, SMASH is a vibrant celebration of theater and Monroe’s enduring myth, running through January 2026.
Marilyn’s Artistic Revival at Carlton Fine Arts
Beyond the stage, Marilyn Monroe’s image is reimagined in a striking exhibition at Carlton Fine Arts, located at 127 East 69th Street. Running through April 25, 2025, the show features neo-pointillist works by Canadian artist Semadar, who unveiled a radiant portrait of Marilyn on April 2. Using thousands of carefully placed dots, Semadar’s neo-pointillism—a modern twist on the techniques of Seurat and Signac—creates a luminous image that captures Monroe’s iconic beauty from a distance, blending fragmented colors into a cohesive whole.
Marilyn’s portrait is displayed alongside other cultural giants: Bob Marley, rendered with soulful intensity; Elvis Presley, depicted in his Bye Bye Birdie days with Ann-Margret; and Robin Williams, immortalized in a poignant moment from Good Will Hunting (1997), the acclaimed film starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Semadar’s celebrity series is complemented by her vibrant landscapes, which burst with dotted color and texture. Shown concurrently at Art Expo New York (April 3–6), the exhibition highlights Semadar’s meticulous process, likened to orchestrating a major event, ensuring every element enhances the viewer’s experience.
The portrait of Marilyn, inspired by her timeless allure, feels especially resonant with Robyn Hurder’s Broadway portrayal, as both artists celebrate Monroe’s larger-than-life presence. Semadar’s work invites viewers to reflect on the star’s cultural impact, making the show a perfect complement to SMASH’s theatrical tribute.
A Dual Celebration of an Icon
Robyn Hurder’s transformative performance in SMASH and Semadar’s innovative portrait at Carlton Fine Arts offer two distinct yet harmonious ways to experience Marilyn Monroe’s legacy. On Broadway, Hurder brings Marilyn’s glamour and heart to life, captivating audiences with every note and costume change. At Carlton Fine Arts, Semadar’s dotted masterpiece elevates her to an artistic muse, joining other legends in a vibrant display.
Don’t miss the chance to see Marilyn reborn. Catch Robyn Hurder in SMASH at the Imperial Theatre through early 2026, and visit Semadar’s exhibition at Carlton Fine Arts before it closes on April 25, 2025. Together, these tributes remind us why Marilyn Monroe remains an icon for the ages.
For SMASH tickets, visit smashbroadway.com. For exhibition details, contact Carlton Fine Arts at (212) 593-2800.