Schmigadoon! A meta musical

Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong in Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! is about two modern-day New York City doctors who wander into a real life musical they can’t escape. They bring their skepticism and 21st Century sensibility into a place where the only hope of getting out is to surrender to the music and find true love. The 6 episode series is on Apple TV+.

My life passed before my eyes as I watched Schmigadoon! I grew up in the 1940s and 50s and saw so many musicals. I still love a musical. The show tunes and choreography in Schmigadoon are so reminiscent of great musicals from the past: Oklahoma, Carousel, Brigadoon, Singing in the Rain, Music Man. In my mind the characters in this series magically morphed into Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Jones, Gordon MacRae, or Julie Andrews. Maybe not in such high-waisted pants, though.

A dance number from Schmigadoon!
Full orchestra, great singers and dancers, the whole musical experience

The dance numbers and the costumes were such fun. The meta analysis of the musical genre by the lost doctors, Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa (Cedily Strong) as they tried to understand how to get outta town were funny.

Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong in Schmigadoon!
Separate rooms at the inn for these two. But don’t they already have true love?

Unlike the real 1950s musical, the cast in this musical was inclusive. An upgrade on the past. Another update – the blatant double entendres in the conversation and song lyrics. Can you imagine Julie Andrews singing a song about Fallopian tubes and semen?

Really outstanding folks such as Rev. Layton (Fred Armisen) and his wicked witch of a wife Mildred Layton (Kristin Chenoweth) lived in the town. The cute young waitress was Betsy (Dove Cameron). There was the handsome Doc Lopez (Jaime Camil). The Countess (Jane Krakowski) showed up right on time in Baron von Trapp’s Doc’s life.

Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, Kristin Chenoweth, and Ann Harada in Schmigadoon!
Hey, Rev, it’s Mayor Menlove. Want to go for a walk in the woods?

Mayor Menlove (Alan Cumming) was married to Florence (Ann Harada). Don’t forget the rapscallion Danny Bailey (Aaron Tveit) with his Tunnel of Love.

Ariana DeBose in Schmigadoon!
Part of the curriculum?

Schoolmarm Emma (Ariana DeBose) almost got out of town with Josh. Where would that have left Melissa?

Everything was light and fun. Well, there was that farmer with his giant shotgun. But don’t worry. Sing another song and love will win the day.

Poster for Schmigadoon!

Check out the trailer.

If musical theater is your thing, this series is perfect for you.

3 thoughts on “Schmigadoon! A meta musical”

  1. Pingback: Cinderella, find your dream and make it real - Old Ain't Dead

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