Summary: It was shortlived, but the NBC drama Smash attempted to show audiences what “really” happens behind the scenes on Broadway. Obviously, the show didn’t live up to its title -- it was cancelled after just two seasons. But, Smash might have helped pave the way for a new show that could be coming soon to a screen near you. It’s called Mozart in the Jungle – based on a memoir of the same name – and it’s a pretty racy backstage look at the world of classical music. NPR Music's Anastasia Tsioulcas joins us to talk about Mozart in the Jungle, whose cast and creative team include some pretty big names -- from Bernadette Peters and Malcom McDowell to Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola. The show was recently picked up by Amazon, and, according to Schwartzman, could be available for viewing by the fall. We talk with Anastasia about why the idea of classical music paired with steamy sex scenes and recreational drug use is shocking for American audiences -- and what this show could do for classical music's hoity-toity reputation, if it takes off. Watch the Mozart in the Jungle pilot via Amazon.
