Schmigadoon! began as the Emmy-winning musical comedy series created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio for Apple TV+, lovingly parodying and celebrating the Golden Age musicals that shaped Broadway. The story follows a modern couple who stumble into a magical town where life unfolds like a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, complete with elaborate production numbers, larger-than-life characters, and a lesson or two about love along the way. After earning a devoted fanbase on television, the property made the leap to the stage with a new adaptation that embraces the joy, spectacle, and sincerity of the musicals that inspired it while carving out its own identity as a contemporary Broadway crowd-pleaser.

Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest host Brian Crowley to unpack the production's Broadway debut and why it feels destined to become a future regional and community theater favorite. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, the production features a score and book by Cinco Paul and stars Alex Brightman, Sarah Chase, Ana Gasteyer, McKenzie Kurtz, Max Clayton, and a talented cast of Broadway veterans. Together, Andrew and Brian discuss the production's dazzling design work, its affectionate references to musical theater history, standout performances across the cast, and why Schmigadoon! succeeds as both a loving satire and a genuinely heartfelt celebration of Broadway itself.

*****

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction / Welcome Brian Crowley

11:29 Setting the Stage

12:41 Hot Takes

35:24 Big Feels

45:28 Should You See It?

50:07 Outro

*****

ABOUT THE SHOW

Get Tickets to Schmigadoon!: https://schmigadoonbroadway.com/tickets/

*****

GUEST HOST LOVE

Watch Brian Whistle: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhistletone

Connect w/ Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhistletone

Follow Brian on TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/thewhistletone

*****

SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING

Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-spotify

YouTube - Subscribe & Watch
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-youtube

Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-apple

Instagram - Follow & Connect
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-instagram

Amazon Music - Follow & Listen
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-amazon

TikTok - Follow & Connect
https://tinyurl.com/critical-darling-tiktok