Jenny Anderson Jennifer Hudson visited Broadway'sSmashon May 15 She starred in the second season of the cult-favorite NBC series Hudson tells PEOPLE exclusively that the musical "could be a vehicle to help bring the show back" Jennifer Hudsonis a star! The music icon, 43,surprised the crowdat Broadway'sSmashon Thursday, May 15, at the Imperial Theatre in New York City. Her appearance was a reunion of sorts as she starred in the second season of the cult-favorite NBC series that inspired the musical. Speaking with PEOPLE in an exclusive interview about the special night, Hudson says the stage production could make room for the TV series to have a comeback. "It's showing how much love and support is out there for the show," she shares. "I think it could be a vehicle to help bring the show back, because it clearly has a strong following and a lot of supporters. That's how the Broadway show is able to exist." Jenny Anderson The series, created by playwright Theresa Rebeck, aired for two seasons from 2012 to 2013. It followed two women competing for the title role in a fictional Marilyn Monroe musical calledBombshell. Hudson played Broadway actress Veronica Moore, who enlistedBombshelldirector Derek Wills to work with her on an upcoming concert. When asked if she'd be open to reprising her role, the singer says, "Definitely, no question about it." Hudson has a second connection to the musical – she is part of the all-star producing team, alongside series alums Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron andSteven Spielberg. The Oscar winner saw the stage production for the first time during her recent visit, as she was unable to attendopening nightdue to thefilming schedule of her self-titled talk showin Los Angeles. Jenny Anderson "I've been involved since the beginning," Hudson says. "To see it get off the ground and see it's a well-oiled machine at this point is insane." The Broadway show features the fan-favorite tunesMarc Shaiman and Scott Wittmanpenned for the TV show and a new comedic tale from book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin. Susan Stroman directs and Joshua Bergasse serves as the choreographer. While the stage production's premise is similar to its source material, there are a few major changes. Most notably, the bitter feud between the two Marilyn actresses no longer exists. Instead, the work follows Ivy Lynn (Robyn Hurder), who takes her role of playing Marilyn a little too seriously and isolates the show's entire creative team and cast, including understudy Karen Cartwright (Caroline Bowman). Jenny Anderson Joining the show's production team was a no-brainer for Hudson, who says "it's an honor to be in the company of such great producers." She continues, "It was a natural connection, since I was already part of theSmashfamily." During her visit, the actress reunited with Shaiman, Wittman and Bergasse, who all also worked on the TV series. She recalls her sweet conversation with Bergasse while at the theater. "We were reminiscing on when we worked together back on the TV show, and all the great numbers we put together," she says of the choreographer, who nabbedone of the show's two Tony nominations. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Hudson is no stranger to the stage. She made her Broadway debut in the 2004 revival ofHair, and went on to star in a 2006 benefit performance ofThe Best Little Whorehouse in Texasand the 2015 revival ofThe Color Purple. She also produced the Broadway premiere ofA Strange Loop, which nabbed her a Tony Award in 2022. Jenny Anderson As a producer, the actress says she is drawn to fresh material. "Seeing new things come to light in a creative way, but still respecting the premise and the base of what Broadway is," comes her mind when asked about determining what projects to take one. "Also allowing more space for more actors and more talent to have a platform to be on." While it has been nearly 10 years since Hudson held an acting role on Broadway, she does not rule out returning to the stage. "I want to continue producing. In my life right now, that's all I can do at the moment. It's like, 'Okay, how can I get in there?' Because I love theater and I want to contribute to it in any way I can. And production is the way to go. But, at some point in my life, I hope to come back to Broadway." The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! As Hudson sat in the audience atSmash, she could envision herself singing one of the musical's most popular songs: "Let Me Be Your Star." "I was imagining hitting that note when I was sitting in the theater," the performer says. "That took me back to when I was in theSmashTV show. I really felt like I got to be that Broadway star that we all dream of being. It made me imagine myself in that way on the stage." In fact, that's what makes the show so magical, according to Hudson. "I like it makes you dream, even if you are just there to watch the show. By the time you're done watching it, you want to be on Broadway too," she says. Read the original article onPeople
