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“I feel a bit out of balance when I’m away from home,” explains Robyn Hurder during a recent phone interview. The Broadway star has been residing in an apartment to prepare for the debut of Smash, only returning to her family on days off. With the show now running, she’s relishing the opportunity to spend quality time with her husband and son. “Today, I’m cooking dinner for the first time in what feels like ages,” she shares. “It’s nice to reconnect with myself.”
Hurder takes center stage as Ivy Lynn in the new musical adaptation of the NBC series, which charts the creation of the fictional Broadway production Bombshell centered around Marilyn Monroe. While the musical draws from elements of the original series, it does not aim to reproduce it entirely, retaining several beloved characters and musical numbers like “Let Me Be Your Star.”
Originating from Maine, Robyn caught the performing bug early, making her Broadway debut two decades ago this month in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She has since graced the stage in productions like Grease and Nice Work If You Can Get It, and earned a Tony nomination in 2020 for her role as Nini in Moulin Rouge. Here, she reflects on her journey, the impact of the television series on her career, and her strategies for handling the demands of performing eight times a week.
Hurder portrays Ivy Lynn in Smash on Broadway. Matthew Murphy.
Her First Broadway Experience:
Robyn recalls the transformative moment when she first visited New York at age 11. Witnessing Damn Yankees ignited her dream of performing on Broadway. She vividly remembers being inspired by Bebe Neuwirth, exclaiming to her mother, “That’s what I want to be.” Looking back, she hopes to someday revive the role of Lola.
Pre-Show Rituals:
Punctuality is vital for Hurder; she arrives at the theater two hours before the curtain rises. Her routine kicks off with a 15-minute cardio dance workout to elevate her heart rate. She often opts for her friend Amanda Kloots’ cardio routine, which she has been following for nearly a decade since their days together on the Spamalot tour.
Favorite Moments from the TV Show:
Hurder became enamored with the first season of Smash, particularly captivated by its music and choreography. While her pregnancy led her to miss the second season, she found inspiration in the dramatic sequences, especially Megan Hilty’s performance of “Let’s Be Bad.” Each time she performs, she feels as though she’s realizing a dream.
Robyn Hurder (left) as Ivy Lynn, alongside Caroline Bowman as Karen, and Bella Coppola as Chloe in Smash. Matthew Murphy.
Creating Atmosphere in Her Dressing Room:
To foster a relaxed ambiance, Hurder decorates her dressing room with twinkle lights and plays jazz records on a Victrola. She enjoys cultivating a glamorous and welcoming space for her guests, often showcasing whatever record is currently spinning. Jazz plays a fundamental role in her daily life, serving as a source of calm and inspiration throughout her day, whether during cooking or exploring the city.
Defining True Success:
Hurder’s aspirations always included starring on Broadway and eventually winning a Tony Award, but she understands the importance of experiencing every facet of the industry. Starting as a dancer in the ensemble was crucial for her personal growth. Over the years, she progressively climbed the ranks, and now she generously offers guidance to emerging talent facing challenges in their careers.
Her journey represents what true success means to her: a pathway built from dedication and hard work. Even as Smash becomes the pinnacle of her career, she maintains pride in her ensemble roots. Having anticipated that her prime would arrive in her late 30s and early 40s, she has consistently spoken about this vision with confidence.
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