All the world’s a stage, and Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key are merely players.
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That’s essentially the premise behind Apple TV+’s new musical comedy “Schmigadoon!,” a magical fantasy set in a town in which people break into song to get their emotions out. Produced by Lorne Michaels, (streaming Fridays, ★★★ out of four) “Schmigadoon!” is a fun romp of midcentury musical tropes, an obvious metaphor for the work that goes into a successful relationship and a showcase for Strong as a leading lady that has eluded her on “Saturday Night Live.”
© Apple TV+
Cecily Strong as Melissa and Keegan-Michael Key as Josh in Apple TV+’s “Schmigadoon!”
It is not necessarily the most groundbreaking or experimental comedy, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable and sweet, the kind of uncomplicated series that makes an easy summer watch.
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In “Schmigadoon,” Melissa (Strong) and Josh (Key) are two doctors facing a rut in their long relationship. Unmarried, living together with a dog and a bit too comfortable, they go on a couple’s camping retreat to the wilderness. Wandering through the woods lost (and arguing), they come upon a bridge shrouded in mist that appears to lead to civilization, so they walk out of reality and into Schmigadoon, where every day is a musical.
The musical accompaniment comes from everywhere: The women are pretty, the men are manly and it’s sunny from July till June. In addition to spontaneously bursting into song, in the style of “The Music Man,” the town’s residents – including Broadway (or Broadway-ready) actors Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Aaron Tveit, Fred Armisen, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Jane Krakowski and Jaime Camil – are stuck in 1940s and 50s values and traditions
© Robert Falconer/Apple TV+
Fred Armisen, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming and Ann Harada in “Schmigadoon!”
At first, Melissa and Josh think they’ve stumbled into a Colonial Williamsburg-style tourist trap. They slowly realize that Schmigadoon isn’t just a kitschy attraction, but instead a magical alternate universe they’re stuck in until they find “true love.” Things only get worse when it appears that the love they do share isn’t quite “true” enough to get them a ticket out of town.
Video: Cecily Strong: How Keegan-Michael Key and I Developed Chemistry on Set (US Weekly)
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“Schmigadoon” takes its cue from the best of musicals, from “Brigadoon” (obviously) to “The Sound of Music” and “Carousel.” The writers are half poking fun at the inherent contradictions and silliness of these stories, and half reverently recreating them. It’s clear that creators Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio are both well-versed in musical history and respectful of the tradition.
© Apple TV+
Ariana DeBose as Emma the school marm in “Schmigadoon!”
“Schmigadoon” can’t quite cross over from the realm of good to great, because the writers never take the premise beyond a surface-level story of singing and love. The series might have been better served as a feature film, considering its structure and short length (at six half-hour episodes, it’s not much longer than most movies). As wonderful and fun as the show is, I couldn’t help but want more from the writers and actors, another twist or explanation of the magical musical moment.
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TV musicals have a bumpy history, from great highs (CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) to regrettable lows (CBS’ failed “Viva Laughlin”). “Schmigadoon” certainly lands on the higher end of the spectrum, given points not just for the quality of its performances but for its original music.
The songs are so aptly suited to the musical era it portrays, you might think they are Rodgers and Hammerstein B-sides (a particularly clever parody of “Trouble” from “Music Man” is a great sendup). They’re catchy, the lyrics are clever and the high-caliber ensemble sings and dances their hearts out with every note. It’s simply not as transcendent or groundbreaking as some of its forebears (particularly “Girlfriend”), so it lands lightly.
But if you enjoy musicals, and even if you don’t, there’s an inherent watchability to “Schmigadoon” that helps overcome some of its flaws. And don’t worry, you won’t get stuck there for 100 years, or until you find true love.
I hope.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Schmigadoon’ review: Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong star in a musical you didn’t know you needed
