Schmigadoon! lights up Broadway with its introspective and hilarious look at the golden age of musicals. (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
If Brigadoon took a wrong turn through a Golden Age musical fever dream and emerged with a sharper wit, bigger laughs, and a stronger sense of self-awareness, you’d get Schmigadoon!
The show is this season’s can’t miss love letter to musical theatre.
Based on the hit television series, Schmigadoon! follows Melissa (Sara Chase) and Josh (Alex Brightman), a modern-day couple whose relationship has hit a rough patch.
While on a retreat designed to strengthen their bond, they stumble into the mysterious town of Schmigadoon, a magical place where everyone lives as if they’re inside a classic Golden Age musical.
Trapped in this colorful world, the pair must navigate a cast of eccentric characters, elaborate production numbers, and increasingly complicated romantic entanglements while discovering what it truly means to find lasting love.
A joyous, dazzling celebration somehow manages to lovingly spoof the genre while simultaneously becoming one of the most satisfying new musicals in recent memory. Schmigadoon! is adapted from the beloved Apple-TV television series that ran for two years (2021-2023).
Cinco Paul’s exceptional book brilliantly expands the story for the stage, weaving together clever satire, genuine heart, and an infectious affection for the very art form at which it pokes fun.
Paul also wrote and composed the story and lyrics for television, so every joke lands, because they come from a place of deep understanding and admiration. Thus, the evening feels like both a loving valentine and a playful wink to musical theatre fans.
The cast of ‘Schmigadoon!’ embraces the production with infectious enthusiasm. (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Paul’s phenomenal score is the production’s beating heart. The songs effortlessly evoke the styles of Broadway’s greatest composers while remaining fresh, memorable, and unmistakably original.
Paul’s lyrics are packed with clever wordplay, laugh-out-loud punchlines, and moments of surprising emotional resonance. Whether delivering a showstopping ensemble number or a heartfelt ballad, the music consistently delights.
Among the show’s standout numbers is “Corn Puddin’,” a gloriously over-the-top anthem that perfectly encapsulates the musical’s comic brilliance. What begins as a seemingly simple ode to a humble dish escalates into a full-blown showstopper, complete with dazzling vocals, intricate choreography, and some of the evening’s biggest laughs.
Equally unforgettable is “Tribulation,” a barn-burning production number that hilariously channels classic revival-meeting musicals. The song is a showcase for both Paul’s razor-sharp lyric writing and Ana Gasteyer’s ability to sell every increasingly ridiculous twist with absolute conviction.
By the time the number reaches its thrilling climax, it has become one of the most electrifying moments of the evening.
The cast is uniformly excellent, but several performers leave an especially lasting impression.
As Josh, Alex Brightman delivers a masterclass in comic performance, unleashing his trademark energy, impeccable timing, and boundless charisma. Every entrance feels like an event, and his ability to balance absurdity with authenticity makes him one of the evening’s greatest pleasures.
As Melissa, Chase is equally sensational, creating a character bursting with personality and comic precision. Her fearless commitment to every moment earns some of the production’s biggest laughs, while her vocal prowess reminds audiences that she epitomizes theatricality at its finest.
McKenzie Kurtz’s Betsy is an absolute revelation, doing more with her facial muscles to convey humor than most performers do with their entire bodies. Her vocals are brilliant as she delivers some of the musical’s most thrilling moments.
Christopher Gatelli’s choreography and direction are nothing short of spectacular. Every dance number bursts with energy, precision, and storytelling, capturing the spirit of classic Broadway while injecting it with contemporary flair.
“Corn Puddin’” is one of many showstoppers, with the ensemble attacking the demanding material with infectious enthusiasm. Every production number feels like a celebration.
Visually, the production is a feast. Scott Pask’s stunning hand-painted set evokes the magic of old-school Broadway craftsmanship, creating a whimsical world that feels both nostalgic and timeless. It’s a refreshing reminder of the artistry that can be achieved through traditional theatrical design.
Complementing the scenery are Linda Cho’s gorgeous costumes, which perfectly capture the aesthetic of the musicals being lovingly parodied while providing a vibrant palette of color, texture, and character.
What makes Schmigadoon! so special is that it never settles for being merely clever. Beneath the references and theatrical in-jokes lies a sincere appreciation for the power of musicals to transport, inspire, and connect us.
It embraces every trope, every soaring melody, and every dance break with open arms, inviting audiences to do the same.
In a Broadway season filled with impressive offerings, Schmigadoon! doesn’t just hit the right note-it taps dances across the entire scale.
Click here for more information about how to purchase tickets.