They say there is nothing like a series that is honest with its viewers. And with this one it’s true. If you paid close attention to Schmigadoon’s musical references, you knew exactly where Apple TV+‘s theatrical comedy would take us.
While the first season directly parodied Golden Age musicals like Oklahoma and The Sound of Music, the series’ grand finale, How We Change, was inspired by the sound of later Broadway composers. If you like series, read on.
With this musical evolution, Schmigadoon leaps into its second season and a new era of more obscure musicals by the likes of Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, John Kander, Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse, Gerome Ragni, James Rado and many more.
It all takes place a few years after the first story
Schmigadoon! The second season begins a few years after the end of the first season. Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) have settled into married life, but can’t shake the feeling that they should be much, much happier.
A trip back to Schmigadoon seems like the solution they need to get a happy ending. After all, what could be better than a lively song and dance number performed by a group of Broadway greats?
However, when the two stumble back into the musical world, they are in for a rude awakening. Gone are the rolling hills and picturesque houses of Schmigadoon. They have been replaced by the seedy nightclubs and corrupt courthouses of the city, where the musicals of the ’60s and ’70s come to life.
It’s a major twist, but it’s the kick in the ass that Schmigadoon! needs to stay on the crest of the wave and not bore with more of the same.
Darker, grittier shows like Sweeney Todd, Cabaret and Chicago get their moment in the spotlight. Unlike the first season, Melissa, a lover of musicals, is less familiar with these references and prefers the lighter, funnier shows.
This departure from the initial Schmigadoon! formula gives Melissa and Josh the opportunity to naively wreak havoc all over Schmicago.
If you have Apple TV+ you should give this breakout series that is getting a lot of buzz among musical lovers a chance.
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