'Schmigadoon!' on Broadway Review: Camp, Charm and Corn Puddin'

From the screen to the stage

schmigadoon broadway review
Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

When the Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key-led Schmigadoon! came out on Apple TV back in July 2021, I wrote about how obsessed I was with the musical TV show. I said at the time, "Don’t let the ridiculous name fool you (and yes, it’s just as embarrassing to say out loud to your friends as you’d imagine)." I called it "an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves music, musicals or, ya know, just laughing out loud."

Now, nearly five years later, a stage adaptation of season one has landed on Broadway—and whether you saw the OG TV show or not, you're going to love this new version.

One major warning: These songs will be stuck in your head and they do have silly titles such as “Corn Puddin.’”

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Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Couple Melissa (Sara Chase) and Josh (Alex Brightman) get lost in a forest and somehow find themselves stuck inside an old-timey musical set in the bizarre town of Schmigadoon (sound anything like Brigadoon, musical theater lovers?). What ensues is a clever and very very funny send-up of all of our favorite classic musicals, from The Music Man to Carousel to The King and I.

Without a doubt, Schmigadoon was one of the most delightful musicals I’ve seen. And even though I was familiar with the songs and the jokes before going in (thanks to the TV show), it was still a refreshing escape.  

schmigadoon broadway review
Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

The cast was a 10/10. While I’m used to seeing Brightman in more “showy” roles like Beetlejuice, his straight man here was pitch perfect, and still a funny foil to Chase’s Melissa. Ana Gasteyer (Mildred) was a powerhouse, but it was the young Ayaan Diop (Carson) who really stole the show.

The choreography also kept me smiling for the full two hours and fifty minutes (yes, even during intermission), and the sets and costumes so perfectly bring the campy fairytale to life—just pure, pastel joy. Who wouldn’t want to be enveloped in that world?

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Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Like the corn pudding they croon about, this show is just good, clean, sweet fun. 

Schmigadoon! is playing now at the Nederlander Theatre.

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Philip Mutz Headshot

VP, News and Entertainment

  • Oversees news and entertainment content
  • Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
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