The answers to the clues below will have something in common.

1. Big hit, as a Broadway play
2. Intensive instruction for a brief period
3. Sing a song like Ethel Merman
4. Lightning partner
5. Theory of the origin of the universe
6. Exciting basketball play
7. Feeling very proud of someone
8. Song or event from long ago
9. Walking the streets, as in looking for work
10. Heading for inevitable confrontation
11. Get very angry

Answers:

1. Smash
2. Crash course
3. Belt it out
4. Clap of thunder
5. Big Bang
6. Slam dunk
7. Bursting with pride
8. Blast from the past
9. Pounding the pavement
10. On a collision course
11. Hit the ceiling

Credit: LA Times Crossword
Sylvia Bursztyn and Barry Tunick
VIOLENT STREAK  (Idea and #1-2)