Get ready for a Broadway spectacle like no other! The stage is set for a magical journey with Schmigadoon!, but this time, it’s not just the town that’s singing—it’s the star-studded cast that’s stealing the show. And here’s the part most people miss: Saturday Night Live veteran Ana Gasteyer is joining the ranks, bringing her comedic genius to this whimsical musical comedy. Producers have finally unveiled the full cast, and it’s a lineup that promises to dazzle.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a Broadway adaptation of an Apple Original series truly capture the charm of the screen version? Fans are divided, but with Gasteyer leading the charge alongside Alex Brightman and Sara Chase, expectations are sky-high. Joining them are Broadway heavyweights like Ann Harada (Avenue Q), Brad Oscar (The Producers), and Isabelle McCalla (The Prom), as well as fresh faces like Ayaan Diop, making their Broadway debut. The ensemble also includes Afra Hines, Becca Petersen, and a host of other talented performers who’ll bring the quirky town of Schmigadoon to life.
The story? Brightman and Chase play Josh and Melissa, a couple on a backpacking retreat gone awry. Instead of rekindling their romance, they stumble into Schmigadoon, a town straight out of a Golden Age musical. Think nonstop singing, a bridge to nowhere, and a bizarre rule: the only way out is through true love. But is it with each other? That’s the million-dollar question.
Gasteyer steps into the role of Mildred Layton, the morally upright yet nosy wife of Reverend Layton, while Harada reprises her role as Florence Menlove, the oblivious spouse of Mayor Menlove (played by Oscar). McCalla shines as Emma Tate, a modern woman struggling to fit into the town’s rigid norms, and Diop adds a dash of lovable comedy as a young resident. Ivan Hernandez plays the icy-hearted Doc, and Max Clayton takes on Danny Bailey, the town’s rebellious bad boy with eyes for Melissa. McKenzie Kurtz rounds out the cast as Betsy, the farmer’s daughter smitten with Josh.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is just as impressive. Cinco Paul, the Emmy-winning mind behind Despicable Me, pens the book and score, while Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli directs and choreographs. Scott Pask, Linda Cho, and Donald Holder handle set, costume, and lighting design, respectively, ensuring the production is a visual feast.
Previews kick off at the Nederlander Theatre on April 4, with opening night set for April 20. The show runs through September 6, giving audiences plenty of time to get lost in Schmigadoon’s enchanting world. But here’s the real question: Will this Broadway adaptation sing as sweetly as the series, or will it hit a few sour notes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
