Exploring the Musical Depths of ‘Schmigadoon!’

Musical enthusiasts will find familiar melodies in Schmigadoon! Composer Cinco Paul cleverly integrates references to classic musicals throughout the new Broadway show. The musical, adapted from the 2021 AppleTV+ series, is being staged at the Nederlander Theater in Manhattan.

Cinco Paul’s passion for musicals began in childhood. His mother, a piano teacher, often played cast recordings, instilling in him a deep love for musical theater. Paul fondly remembers imagining himself in roles from Camelot and Guys and Dolls, and watching adaptations like The Sound of Music and Singin’ in the Rain. Local theater productions in Phoenix exposed him to classics like Once Upon a Mattress and Carousel, leaving a lasting impression.

As an adult, Paul transitioned to screenwriting, creating successful family films such as Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. Despite this shift, his love for musicals never faded. In his 30s, he conceived a show inspired by Brigadoon, about two outsiders discovering a village where life plays out like a musical. The concept matured over decades, eventually leading to the 2021 series Schmigadoon!, featuring two doctors trapped in a musical town.

The show’s transition to Broadway has preserved its roots. Elisabeth Vincentelli noted in The New York Times that it balances affection and sharpness without being sentimental. Each song nods to beloved musicals, blending elements seamlessly. Even those unfamiliar with musical references, like Oscar Hammerstein’s Carousel, will appreciate the universal comedy.

The comedy is pretty universal, but there’s a whole extra level for those of us who realize that Oscar Hammerstein wrote, ‘steal it or take it,’ and they’re the exact same thing. – Cinco Paul