Shooting for Season 2 of "Smash" is in full swing, and Debra Messing, known for her portrayal of the musically talented, romantically challenged Julia, says the cast is having a blast.
While at the launch event for her partnership with Post-it Your Words Stick With Them in New York City on Wednesday, Messing sat down with HuffPost TV to talk "Smash" Season 2, reuniting with her "Will & Grace" co-star Sean Hayes, dream guest stars and more.
How's filming for Season 2 of "Smash" going?
We're on Episode 4 right now, and it's going well. It's very exciting and we have fabulous guest stars. Jennifer Hudson was on last week, and she is so lovely, a great mom and fit seamlessly into the ensemble. Sean Hayes is coming on the show, which is beyond exciting. It's a dream come true.
So what do you think about working with Sean Hayes again?
I can't imagine a more fun day!
Will you have any scenes with him specifically?
I asked for it! I'm hoping the writers will accommodate. They promised me I would have scenes with him, so I think they know I'll have a horrible temper tantrum if I don't get to act with him.
When I spoke with Megan Hilty, she told me there's a lot more music this season. Does Julia have more singing time?
Not yet. I was told that Julia would be singing this season, which is a little terrifying, but also a little exciting. But the music is one of the things that makes "Smash" so special. And as Julia, I get to sit on the other side of the table and listen to the music being sung. So I get to go to work and get front row center seats. I love it!
In terms of Julia's love life in the upcoming season, I know she's moved on completely from her Season 1 love interests. How have fans reacted to that? And how do you feel about it?
There have been so many changes from last season. FIve characters of the 11 are not back, so it's an adjustment for all of us. Obviously really exciting new characters are coming in, and that's really fun. As for Julia's love interests, the fans have very strong opinions about who Julia should be with, and they voice their demands and concerns pretty forcefully on Twitter. It's going to be, if nothing else, complicated.
Ellis was the big villain last season. Will a new, unexpected villain emerge now that Ellis is out of the picture?
I don't know where the show is going. Everything is a surprise for us, but this is the world of Broadway theater. There are people to root for and people to root against in the real world because people have different agendas. There's art, and then there's money. So I don't doubt that there will be some kind of villain asserting him or herself.
Who would your dream "Smash" guest star be?
I think it would have to be Barbra Streisand. "Funny Girl" was my favorite movie growing up, and she was my idol. She started out on Broadway, and I think it would be great if she would come on and play my mother. [Laughs.]
Tell me about your partnership with Post-it Your Words Stick With Them. Why is education so important to you?
I think it was the way I was brought up. My parents always made education and school the number one priority. They believed that an education is the best gift you can give to your child. I think having lived that and having been encouraged on a daily basis by them has informed a lot of how I parent. So my son is very curious, which is fantastic. He loves school. So I don't have to encourage him too much, but I love to do it because I know it's meaningful and words are powerful.
"Smash" Season 2 premieres in 2013.
