Schmigadoon!

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Schmigadoon!
Schmigadoon!.webp
Genre
Created byCinco Paul
Ken Daurio
Directed byBarry Sonnenfeld[1]
Starring
Music byChristopher Willis[2]
Cinco Paul (songs)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Cecily Strong
  • Caroline Maroney
  • Micah Frank
  • Rose Lam[1]
Production locationsVancouver, British Columbia
Running time25–34 minutes
Production companies
DistributorApple Inc.
Release
Original networkApple TV+
Original releaseJuly 16, 2021 (2021-07-16) –
present

Schmigadoon! is an American musical comedy television series created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, with all songs written by Paul, who also serves as showrunner.[3] The series aired on Apple TV+ and premiered on July 16, 2021.[4]

Schmigadoon! is a parody of, and homage to, Golden Age musicals of the 1940s and 1950s.[5] The series stars an ensemble cast led by Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key. It is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

Background[]

Cinco Paul had the idea for the show over 20 years ago, that it would be funny if two men, like the backpackers in An American Werewolf in Paris, stumbled upon a musical, instead of a horror story.[6] According to Paul, the concept only fully came into focus for him when it changed to "a couple who are stuck there until they can find true love".[7] Paul has said that even though Schmigadoon's musical style, characters and satire are largely based on 1940s and 1950s musicals, the sets and costumes reflect 1910s America, like the setting in The Music Man.[8]

Premise[]

Two New York doctors, Melissa and Josh, go on a backpacking trip in an attempt to patch up their failing relationship, only to find themselves still arguing. They get lost and soon discover a magical town called Schmigadoon, which is perpetually trapped in a Golden Age-style musical, and soon learn that they cannot leave the town until they find true love. The title and concept parody the 1947 musical Brigadoon.[7][9]

Cast and characters[]

Co-starring[]

  • Liam Quiring-Nkindi as Carson, a boy with a lisp, who announces scene changes.[11] Emma says that Carson is her kid brother, but it turns out that he is her son.[15] He is based on Winthrop Paroo from The Music Man.[13]

Guest[]

  • Peppermint as Madam Vina
  • Kevin McNulty as Farmer McDonough
  • Timothy Webber as Marv
  • Bijou Brattston as Tootie McDonough, one of Farmer McDonough's seven daughters
  • Kyra Leroux as Carrie, one of Farmer McDonough's seven daughters
  • Darcey Johnson as Innkeeper Harvey.
  • Amitai Marmorstein as Pete, the cheerful Milkman, who is often the subject of offscreen violence, such as from Farmer McDonough's shotgun or a rock attempted to be skipped by the Mayor
  • Scott Patey as Larry the Fireman
  • Pedro Salvin as Old Doc Lopez, Doc Lopez's father
  • Michelle Rios as Mrs. Lopez, Doc Lopez's mother
  • Garfield Wilson as Henry the Iceman
  • Cassandra Consiglio as Nancy, Freddy's pregnant girlfriend. She is later revealed to be the Laytons' daughter.
  • Alex Barima as Freddy, a sailor, Nancy's boyfriend

Episodes[]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [16]
1"Schmigadoon!"Barry SonnenfeldCinco Paul & Ken Daurio[18]July 16, 2021 (2021-07-16)
Melissa Gimble and Josh Skinner, doctors in New York City,[17] meet when kicking a hospital vending machine gives them all the candy in the machine. Four years later, their relationship has become strained, so they go on a backpacking retreat to shore up the relationship. They become lost and cross a stone bridge through the mist to find a seemingly idyllic town, reminiscent of River City, called Schmigadoon, where everyone acts like they are in a musical from the 1940s and 1950s. Melissa plays along, since she is a fan of musicals, but Josh does not like it. Melissa also takes a liking to Danny Bailey, a carnival barker, like Billy Bigelow. The next morning, Melissa and Josh discover that they cannot leave the town. A leprechaun tells them that they cannot leave Schmigadoon until they find "true love".
2"Lovers' Spat"Barry SonnenfeldCinco Paul & Ken Daurio, Julie Klausner[18]July 16, 2021 (2021-07-16)
Immediately after discovering they cannot leave Schmigadoon, Melissa and Josh get into an argument, not helped at all by the singing townspeople, which ends in them breaking up. Melissa goes on a walk where she finds Schmigadoon's Mayor Aloysius Menlove, who cheers her up with a song heavily implying that he is in the closet. Meanwhile, Josh becomes interested in flirtatious young waitress Betsy, who offers her picnic basket at the auction later. During the auction, Melissa becomes intoxicated on spiked punch, and Josh wins Betsy. Melissa auctions herself off and is won by Danny. Later that evening, Josh becomes uncomfortable because Betsy appears to be a minor. The evening is cut short by Betsy's father and his shotgun.
3"Cross That Bridge"Barry SonnenfeldJulie Klausner & Bowen Yang[18]July 23, 2021 (2021-07-23)
The next morning, Melissa wakes up to find Danny making her breakfast. But she sees him as a one-night stand and leaves while he is still soliloquizing about his future offspring. Meanwhile, Josh is quickly engaged to Betsy. Mildred Layton has Josh and Melissa banned from the inn because of her prejudices against them. Josh attempts to cross the bridge with Betsy to see if she is his true love, but he fails, so he tries again with other women, to no avail. Melissa seeks help from the Mayor's wife, who implies that she is frustrated by her husband's sexual orientation. Farmer McDonough chases Josh, who seeks sanctuary in Reverend Layton's church. Inside, he notices Emma Tate, Schmigadoon's schoolmarm, who did not cross the bridge with him. Melissa asks Doc Lopez for a job as a nurse and is instantly smitten with him.
4"Suddenly"Barry SonnenfeldCinco Paul & Ken Daurio, Kate Gersten[18]July 30, 2021 (2021-07-30)
In a flashback, Josh and Melissa flee an Off-off-Broadway play that their friend is starring in; they express their love for each other. In Schmigadoon, Josh becomes Emma's new handyman in exchange for lodging; she is stern but encourages him to believe in himself. She also saves him from Betsy's father. Melissa starts work as a nurse, but Lopez is tyrannical and conservative. He refuses to assist Nancy, a pregnant young woman, and her boyfriend, so Melissa gives them a sex-education lesson, and she and Josh help to deliver the baby. Mayor Menlove shares a romantic moment with Reverend Layton at the bake sale and later comes out to the townsfolk. Reflecting on this and his growing respect for Melissa, Lopez softens his absolutist outlook and declares his love for her, while Emma admits her love for Josh after he kindly aids her lisping little brother's confidence.
5"Tribulation"Barry SonnenfeldAllison Silverman[18]August 6, 2021 (2021-08-06)
In a flashback, Josh is passed over for a fellowship. Melissa comforts him, but he mocks her for a misspoken cliche, apologizing that night. In Schmigadoon, Mildred incites a moral panic against the "strangers" and announces her candidacy for mayor. Meanwhile, Lopez's glamorous fiancée, Countess Gabrielle von Blerkom, returns unexpectedly from the city. Melissa expects the Countess to graciously step aside, as in The Sound of Music, but instead she takes Melissa for a drive and abandons her at gunpoint in the countryside. Melissa discovers that the symbolic heart she thought Josh lost had been in her backpack all along; she dismisses a dream ballet in its opening moments. Emma confides in Josh that she is Carson's mother, and her parents disowned her for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Carson overhears and runs off. Josh searches for him in the woods, where Danny ambushes Josh and knocks him to the ground, where Josh finds the symbolic heart that Melissa threw across the lake.
6"How We Change"Barry SonnenfeldCinco Paul & Ken Daurio[18]August 13, 2021 (2021-08-13)
Josh finds Carson and they discuss how good relationships take work. Emma arrives and proposes that she and Carson cross the bridge to start a life with Josh. Lopez retrieves Melissa, declaring that he has chosen her over the Countess, but she wants to save her relationship with Josh. Meanwhile, Josh realizes that he wants the same thing. In town, Mildred is about to win the election. Melissa arrives, followed by Josh, interrupting the vote. She apologizes for their breakup, and he offers his love in song. The two dance together and kiss. Mildred denounces the New Yorkers, but Emma says that they have taught the townspeople to accept their true selves. Emma announces that she is Carson's mom, and other townspeople reveal long-held secrets; for example, Mildred is Nancy's mother, and Rev. Layton has feelings for Mayor Menlove. Mildred throws a tantrum and the Mayor is reelected in a landslide. Melissa tells Mildred that it is not too late to change, and the town celebrates its progress with more modern musical stylings. Hand in hand, Josh and Melissa step onto the bridge, but it is not revealed whether they are able to leave Schmigadoon.

Production[]

It was announced in January 2020 that Cecily Strong was set to star in and produce the series, with a series order at Apple TV+ close to finalizing.[19] In October, Keegan-Michael Key, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Jaime Camil, Jane Krakowski and Ann Harada were added to the cast.[20]

Barry Sonnenfeld directed the season and also executive produced. Besides starring, Cecily Strong served as producer, and Ken Daurio served as consulting producer and writer. Andrew Singer also executive produces with Lorne Michaels on behalf of Broadway Video.[3] The musical numbers were choreographed by Christopher Gattelli.[21] In addition to Paul and Daurio, Allison Silverman, Julie Klausner, Kate Gersten and Bowen Yang were writers on the show. The first season was written in the summer of 2019.[22] The season consisted of six episodes, although it was originally planned to be eight episodes.[8] Bo Welch serves as the series' production designer.[23]

Filming began in Vancouver on October 13, 2020, and concluded on December 10, taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic.[24]

Paul has stated that his concept for the show involves more than one season.[8]

Music[]

Cinco Paul wrote all of the original songs for the series and also serves as showrunner. The underscore was composed by Christopher Willis.[2] Soundtrack albums were released by Milan Records as each episode was released.[25]

Schmigadoon! Episode 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[26]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Schmigadoon! Main Title"Cinco Paul1:14
2."Schmigadoon!"
4:12
3."You Can't Tame Me"Aaron Tveit3:23
4."Corn Puddin'"
1:45
5."Leprechaun Song"Martin Short0:42
6."Score: "Just one kick and apparently magic?""Christopher Willis2:19
7."Score: "See you at seven.""Willis2:01
8."Score: "It's like a trick bridge or something.""Willis1:08
Schmigadoon! Episode 2 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[27]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Lovers' Spat"
  • Cast of Schmigadoon!
  • Chenoweth
3:40
2."Somewhere Love Is Waiting for You"Cumming1:53
3."Enjoy the Ride (Part I)"
  • Strong
  • Tveit
2:24
4."Enjoy the Ride (Part II)"
1:50
5."Score: "Have you been crying?""Willis0:43
6."Score: "It's the Picnic Basket Auction!""Willis0:37
Schmigadoon! Episode 3 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[28]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."To the Right, to the Left"Paul0:52
2."You Done Tamed Me"Tveit1:55
3."He's a Queer One, That Man o' Mine"Ann Harada2:19
4."Cross That Bridge"Cast of Schmigadoon!2:37
5."Enjoy the Ride (Reprise)"Strong0:30
6."Score: "Oh, Betsy...""Willis1:02
7."Score: "That is the most beautiful thing that I've ever heard.""Willis0:32
8."Score: "She told Poppa!""Willis0:35
Schmigadoon! Episode 4 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[29]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."With All of Your Heart"
3:46
2."Va-Gi-Na"
  • Strong
  • Cassandra Consiglio
  • Alex Barima
1:18
3."Somewhere Love Is Waiting for You (Coming Out Reprise)"Cumming0:37
4."Suddenly"
3:16
5."Score: "Can I tempt you with anything?""Willis0:50
6."Score: "You were amazing.""Willis1:23
Schmigadoon! Episode 5 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[30]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Suddenly (Melissa Reprise)"
  • Strong
  • Camil
1:17
2."Tribulation"
  • Chenoweth
  • Cast of Schmigadoon!
3:59
3."I Always, Always, Never Get My Man"Jane Krakowski1:41
4."Score: "It'th raithin' bread!""Willis0:38
5."Score: "I want Jorge!""Willis0:52
6."Score: "It wasn't meant to happen.""Willis1:08
7."Score: "That's for stealin' my gal.""Willis0:59
Schmigadoon! Episode 6 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) track listing[31]
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."You Make Me Wanna Sing"
3:37
2."How We Change/Finale"Cast of Schmigadoon!3:40
3."Score: "It's a tent!""Willis1:26
4."Score: "I'm so glad I found you.""Willis1:07
5."Score: "You want to give it to someone else.""Willis0:51
6."Score: "You go, Harvey!""Willis0:53

Release[]

A trailer for the series was released on June 25, 2021. The first two episodes aired on Apple TV+ on July 16, followed by one new episode each subsequent Friday until season 1 ended with episode 6 on August 13, 2021.[4]

Reception[]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, Schmigadoon! holds an approval rating of 88% based on 75 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Schmigadoon!'s clever inside-theater jokes may not be for everyone, but there's no denying the joy of seeing this talented ensemble sing (and dance!) their hearts out."[32] On Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, the series has a score of 73 out of 100 based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[33] In The Boston Globe, Matthew Gilbert noted the show's "underlying affection for musical theater [though it] makes ruthless fun of the conventions of show tunes. ... There is plenty of snark afoot. But the songs are also wittily written, and catchy. The choreography is top-notch and well-shot. And the cast members ... have an infectious enthusiasm."[34]

Accolades[]

The soundtrack to Episode 1 was nominated for the 2022 Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media,[35] and Chenoweth was nominated for the 2022 Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.[36]

Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref
2022 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Kristin Chenoweth Pending [36]
Grammy Awards Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media Schmigadoon! Episode 1 Pending [35]
ADG Awards Excellence in Production Design Bo Welch, Episode: Schmigadoon! Pending [37]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c "Schmigadoon!". Apple.com. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Christopher Willis Scoring Apple TV+'s 'Schmigadoon!'". Filmmusicreporter.com. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c ""Schmigadoon!," from executive producer Lorne Michaels and starring Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, to premiere globally this summer on Apple TV+". Apple.com (Press release). February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  4. ^ a b BWW News Desk (April 30, 2021). "Breaking: Broadway-Packed SCHMIGADOON! Musical Series Will Premiere This July on Apple TV+ - First Look!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  5. ^ Edwards, Belen. "The original songs in Schmigadoon! perfectly capture the joy of musicals", Mashable, July 22, 2021
  6. ^ "Spoilers: Schmigadoon! Season 1 Episode 6", Otakukart.com, August 9, 2021
  7. ^ a b N'Duka, Amanda (February 19, 2021). "'Schmigadoon!' First Look: Creator Cinco Paul On Why The Show Is "A Love Letter To Golden Age Musicals" – TCA". Deadline. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Schwartz, Ryan. "Schmigadoon! EP Reveals Season 1 Episode Order Was Trimmed – What Was Left on the Cutting Room Floor?", TVLine, August 17 2021
  9. ^ a b c d e Cleal, Sam. "19 Reasons Why I Recommend You Watch Schmigadoon! Immediately", BuzzFeed, July 27, 2021
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Apple TV+. "Schmigadoon!". Apple TV+. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c d e Cleal, Sam. "The Cast of Schmigadoon! Is Positively Stacked – Here's Where You Know Them From", Buzzfeed, July 20, 2021
  12. ^ Sava, Oliver. "Schmigadoon! Recap: Sex Education", Vulture, July 30, 2021
  13. ^ a b c d Kenrick, John. "Musicals101.com's Aisle Say: Is Schmigadoon Worth Watching?", Musicals101.com via YouTube, July 28, 2021
  14. ^ Apple TV+ (April 30, 2021). "Lorne Michaels' Apple Original Musical Comedy Series "Schmigadoon!," Starring Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, to Premiere Globally July 16 on Apple TV+". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  15. ^ Dockery, Clay. "Schmigadoon! Episode 5 – 'Tribulation'", 25YearsLater, August 6, 2021
  16. ^ "Schmigadoon! – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  17. ^ Ariano, Tara (July 14, 2021). "Musical Parody Schmigadoon Sings a Surprisingly Familiar Tune". Vanity Fair. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Cook, Michael. "'Schmigadoon!' Review – A Loving Satire of Classic Movie Musicals". Geek Vibes Nation. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  19. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (January 30, 2020). "Cecily Strong To Star In Musical Comedy Nearing Series Order At Apple". Deadline. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  20. ^ Petski, Denise (October 1, 2020). "Keegan-Michael Key, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, Kristin Chenoweth Among 10 Cast For Apple Musical Comedy Project Starring Cecily Strong". Deadline. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  21. ^ Bianculli, David. "Schmigadoon! Is a Star-Studded Parody That's Worth Singing About", NPR, July 16, 2021
  22. ^ Cinco Paul [@cincopedia] (February 24, 2021). "Here's to the brilliant writers of the Schmigadoon! writers room: @allisonsilvermn, @julieklausner, @thekategersten, @KDaurio & Bowen Yang. We spent the summer of '19 together and now two years later there's a show!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Pearson, Ben. "'Schmigadoon!' Director Barry Sonnenfeld on His Favorite Song and Dance Number in the New Musical Comedy Series [Interview]". Slashfilm.com. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  24. ^ "REOPENING: Apple TV+ Series Schmigadoon! Starts Filming In Vancouver With Cecily Strong & Cast of Comedians & Broadway Stars". HollywoodNorth.buzz. October 13, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  25. ^ Lovitt, Maggie (July 16, 2021). "Listen to the Music From the First Two Episodes of 'Schmigadoon!'". Collider. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  26. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  27. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 2 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) – EP by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  28. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 3 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  29. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 4 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) – EP by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  30. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 5 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  31. ^ "Schmigadoon! Episode 5 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack) by The Cast of Schmigadoon! on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  32. ^ "Schmigadoon!: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 3, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  33. ^ "Schmigadoon!: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved September 7, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ^ Gilbert, Matthew. "Schmigadoon! sends up old musicals while sending relevant messages", The Boston Globe, December 2, 2021
  35. ^ a b Meyer, Dan. "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella, Girl From the North Country, The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, More Earn 2022 Grammy Nominations", Playbill, November 23, 2021
  36. ^ a b Pedersen, Eric (December 6, 2022). "Critics Choice TV Nominations: Succession Leads Field as HBO Edges Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  37. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (January 24, 2022). "Art Directors Guild 2022 Nominations Headed by Nightmare Alley, Cruella, No Time to Die, In the Heights". Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2022.

External links[]

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