Schmigadoon! (2021)
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Schmigadoon! Review
Schmigadoon! is a 2021 musical comedy television series that premiered on Apple TV+. It is a silly, but very entertaining show.
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“Nobody likes a dream ballet.
Nobody!“
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In this parody of Old Hollywood musicals, backpacking couple Melissa and Josh get trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town filled with singing and dancing townspeople, and learn they can’t leave without finding true love, which they thought they already had. I am all up for honoring while also satirizing these older musicals, which is exactly what this show did.
The tone here is actually stupendous as the show is quite funny while also definitely making fun of some of the more questionable elements in those classic musicals. In particular, the gay metaphors were hilarious as the word changed its meaning and now all those songs are very funny when listened in a modern context.
The series only has six episodes in total and they are quite short, but somehow the last two still ended up being a chore. The show did lose its momentum up to that point as they did not quite know what else to do with this premise as they ran out of ideas and that was evident.
But before that, Schmigadoon! was very entertaining. The songs are a mixed bag, but those that work are quite strong and even a lot of fun. It helps that these numbers were strengthened due to a helping of terrific choreography, costumes, editing and acting. All actors did seem that they were enjoying themselves and that joy was quite transparent on the screen.
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While the overall directing and writing could and should have been better and the same goes for the characterization, the acting is so strong across the board that they easily elevate the material at hand. Keegan-Michael Key is lovely and very likable while Cecily Strong killed it in one of the funniest roles here. The two share great chemistry. Alan Cumming is another comedic highlight while Kristin Chenoweth deservedly got a lot of praise for her wildly comedic turn. I just wish that the show used the great Jane Krakowski more.
Schmigadoon! is at the end of the day a solid, but uneven show that lost its momentum rather quickly. The writing should have been better, but the actors all elevated the material with a lot of heart and charisma. The musical numbers were also pretty good as were the technical aspects.
Worst Episodes: Tribulation and How We Change.
Best Episodes: Cross That Bridge and Suddenly.
