Brian d'Arcy James and Will Chase Depart TV's Smash

NBC’s Broadway-themed series Smash is losing two more series regulars in addition to previously reported stars Raza Jaffrey (Dev) and Jaime Cepero (Ellis). Brian d’Arcy James (Frank Houston) and Will Chase (Michael Swift) will also not return for the show's second season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. No premiere date has been set for the show's return.

With a gaping hole in the cast list, Smash is adding three new series regulars, according to TVLine. For starters, NBC is looking to cast the role of Courtney, an African-American chorus member in her mid-to-late 20s who packs a powerhouse voice. She is described as “incredibly attractive and confident, but also open-minded and non-judgmental.” Also coming on board for season two is the character of Danny, a straight, working class guy in his mid-20s from Brooklyn. He is summed up as “sexy, charismatic and musically gifted, but also self-destructive and remote.” Finally, there is Joe, a Brooklyn-born guy who is in his early-to-mid-20s and is “gay, very cute, incredibly open and optimistic.”

Smash centers on Broadway newcomer Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) and showbiz vet Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty). Both actresses are vying for the lead role of Marilyn in a musical about the life of screen icon Marilyn Monroe. The series details the process of bringing a Broadway musical to life, and features original music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.



James played the faithful husband of Bombshell lyricist Julia Houston (Debra Messing), while Chase played the actor with whom Julia carried on an affair. In addition to Messing, McPhee and Hilty, Smash stars Jack Davenport as Derek Wills, two-time Tony nominee Christian Borle (current star of Peter and the Starcatcher) as Tom Levitt and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston as Eileen Rand.