Broadcast shines the spotlight on the new Broadway musical drama - otherwise known as ‘Glee for grown-ups’ - set to launch this autumn.

Let’s face the music
Following the unexpected success of high-school musical series Glee, here comes a new drama known in buyers’ circles as ‘Glee for grown-ups’. It focuses on a group of characters who work towards putting on a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Of course, they all have their own personal dramas to deal with in the process.

Who has their name in lights?
Debra Messing, best known for her leading role in Will & Grace, plays the musical’s co-writer alongside Broadway stars Brian D’Arcy James and Christian Borle. British actor Jack Davenport plays the womanising director, while American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee plays the favourite for the role of Marilyn. Anjelica Houston also stars.

Who is making it?
Produced by Universal Media Studios in association with Dreamworks, the pilot is understood to have cost around $7.5m. It is based on an idea by Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, who will serve as executive producer. It will be helmed by Broadway director Michael Mayer.

When is opening night?
US network NBC has picked up the show for series and will hold it for a mid-season launch, pairing it with new reality show The Voice in a Monday night slot.