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Lorne Micheals presents the comedic parody/homage to 1940s musicals, Schmigadoon!. Series creators Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio bring the joys of such musicals to all theatre nerds while also catering to the thoughts of musical theatre cynics. Throughout this six-episode series, Paul and Daurio maintain this wonderful comedic balance through its great storyline, strong casting, and unforgettable songs.
Plot Summary
In the first episode, viewers receive a quick montage overviewing Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key)’s relationship. This shows that their once seemingly magical ends up in a funk of routine after 4 years of dating. They enroll in a couples retreat, which is just about as rocky as their relationship. There, they embark on a hike which turns into a torrential downpour, and they stumble upon and walk across a footbridge. This leads them into bright and sunny Schmigadoon, where every day is a 1940s musical.
Upon entering this magical town, the couple believes this is a rehearsed act put on for tourists. Josh maintains his jaded New Yorker personality while musical lover Melissa enjoys the entertainment Schimigadoon has to offer. However, it’s later confirmed by Danny Bailey (Aaron Tveit) that they are completely unaware they are singing their feelings just as it occurs in a musical. Strong’s character further confirms it in a song title “Corn Puddin’” that somehow she opened her mouth and just knew exactly what to say.
Discussion
The juxtaposition between the couple and the townspeople further amplifies the comedy of the situation. As Melissa and Josh’s relationship worsens, the townspeople become cheerier. The interactions between the townspeople and the couple also display the questionable gender norms of the 1940s. During the song “Lovers’ spat”, it is brought up that the way to quell a lovers’ spat is by “smacking” a woman’s bottom. In New York, Strong’s character is an OB/GYN, but in Schmigadoon, women are incapable of being doctors.
These incidents and more give the viewer the opportunity to see the issues of society. It compares the society from these ever celebrated golden age musicals with today’s society. For many, it’s hard to admit when beloved musicals and shows possess some problematic themes and views. Thankfully, the writers Dario and Paul are able to pinpoint and poke fun at them.
Performances
The star-studded cast doesn’t fail in delivering the musical tropes of the era. Kristin Chenoweth delivers a hilarious performance as the stoic, religious enforcer Mildred Layton of Shimagdoon. A stark contrast to her usual roles, her deadpan deliveries always guarantee a laugh. As the closeted Mayor Aloysius Menlove, Alan Cummings shines in his comedic timing through endless gay innuendos until he ultimately comes out to the town.
Strong and Key excellently and realistically portray the ups and downs of Melissa and Josh’s relationship. As they stay in Schmigadoon, their story progression makes sense, but the pacing seems slightly rushed. This could admittingly be due to the 1940s musical standards or the fact that they only have six episodes. However, Ariana DeBose steals the show. Debose’s portrayal of the progressive school teacher Emma Tate represents every musical character that goes against the grain of society’s norms and excels in doing so!
The Music
The songs in Schmigadoon! are wonderfully catchy and pay homage to these beloved musicals albeit with a twist. For one, Strong sings a surprisingly accurate song — describing the functions of the reproductive system to a young girl (who is on the verge of giving birth) and to the father of her baby — to the tune of “Do, Re, Mi” from The Sound of Music. These songs provide the perfect addition to the series, for they add and move the overall story along while also providing theatre aficionados easter eggs to find and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Schmigadoon! is the series theatre nerds are in need of right now. It beautifully showcases aspects of these timeless musicals with a modern spin. It is riddled with theatre veterans and the fun and gaiety one can only expect from a good musical.
Schmigadoon! comes to Apple TV+ on July 16th.
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