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If close attention was paid to the musical references in the final number of Season 1 of “Schmigadoon!”, viewers could anticipate where Apple TV’s theatrical comedy was heading next. While the first season parodied Golden Age musicals like “Oklahoma!” and “The Sound of Music,” the show’s big closer “How We Change” drew inspiration from the sound of later Broadway composers. This musical evolution sets the stage for Schmigadoon!’s second season, delving into a new, darker era of musicals, featuring the works of Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, John Kander, Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse, Gerome Ragni, James Rado, and more.
### Schmigadoon! Explores a New Musical Landscape in Season 2
The second season of “Schmigadoon!” picks up a few years after the events of Season 1, as Melissa and Josh navigate married life with a sense of discontent. Returning to Schmigadoon seems like the answer to their quest for happiness, but they are in for a surprise when they find themselves in Schmicago, a city filled with seedy nightclubs and corrupt courtrooms, where the musicals of the ’60s and ’70s come to life. This stylistic departure provides an opportunity for the characters to explore a darker, grittier side of musical theater, with references to shows like “Sweeney Todd,” “Cabaret,” and “Chicago.”
### Musical Numbers and Easter Eggs Shine in Season 2
As a fan of ’60s and ’70s musicals, Season 2’s musical numbers resonated more with me than those of the Golden Age parodies in Season 1. The songs in this season are less satirical, offering performances by Cummings and Chenoweth in “Sweeney Todd,” Strong, Cameron, and DeBose in “Cabaret,” and Krakowski in a surprising mash-up of “Chicago” and “Company.” The choreography and staging pay homage to the originals, resulting in standout numbers throughout the season.
Analysis of Musical References in ‘Schmigadoon!’
The tributes don’t stop at the musical numbers. Dialogue calls to mind iconic song lyrics or questions musical mores of yore. Storefronts and street signs are littered with references to famed composers of the era, while the costumes, in all their lingerie and bowler hat-wearing glory, immediately clue you into what show Schmigadoon! is referencing.
Exploring the Storyline of ‘Schmigadoon!’
Schmigadoon! could risk being nothing but a string of parodies one after the other. But this season is held together by a sweet storyline about working towards happiness — not just for Josh and Melissa, but for everyone in the city, too. Sure, as a moral it’s a tad simplistic, and six episodes don’t give Schmigadoon! too much time to really delve into each of its characters’ lives. However, that doesn’t stop Schmigadoon!‘s journey through the ’60s and ’70s from being a complete blast. I mean, when you’ve got a cast this fantastic and songs this delightful, is it really possible to go wrong?
The first two episodes of Schmigadoon! hit AppleTV+ Apr. 5, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays.
