If the origin story for Broadway for Bros were turned into a Broadway show it would be Schmigadoon! I was raised around fishing and football in a conservative household in Virginia. My wife was a theater kid whose worldview was cultivated in the liberal enclave of Columbia, Maryland.
Our bridge to Schmigadoon! was the Amtrak Northeast Regional train, which brought us both to a land of fantastical characters seemingly trapped in another realm full of music, mischief, and impromptu scenarios that require dancing and singing. The big difference is that neither my wife nor I are doctors, yet we’ve still somehow managed to live in Hell’s Kitchen, close to the gravity of Broadway that brought us together in a world where differences are widely seen as a threat rather than something that would end in marriage. But here we are. Living our Schmigadoon! lives together.
Oh, That Hugh Jackman
Effective art inspires people to see themselves in the story. To jump into the current of universal truths that despite our appearances, backgrounds, and cultures, allows us all to feel connected through the flowing miracle of humanity (and constant tides of inhumanity). I immediately connected with the cynicism of sports-loving co-star Josh Skinner (great Jalen Brunson/New York Knicks call out, btw). My wife appreciated the constant litany of Easter-egged references to legendery Broadway musicals of the past, especially Oklahoma!, The Music Man, Carousel, The Sound of Music, and, of course, Brigadoon.
Depending on the show, I consider it incredibly rude to talk during a Broadway show. Yes, even whispering. But for a boisterous show like Schmigadoon!, I was okay when my wife noticed I wasn’t appreciating a juicy Broadway reference and leaned toward my ear, “This is from The Music Man. Hugh Jackman. The Wolverine guy.” Like I didn’t already know that. The gall. He’s with Sutton Foster now. It’s somewhat controversial. But they seem happy. Life is hard. And it’s not fair. Or is there another Hugh Jackman we’re supposed to be talking about? Puh-lease. Don’t talk to me at a show. Even a whisper. It’s rude. Now I just missed another reference. Honestly, I learned about Schmigadoon! before I’d even heard of Brigadoon.
Let’s keep going.
From the Small Screen to the Great White Way
For those who missed the 2021 Apple TV+ phenomenon, Schmigadoon! began as a love letter (and a gentle poke in the ribs) to the Golden Age of musical theater. My wife and I watched the full series and loved it; we call it one of our Covid Classics because it helped us survive that terrible period for humanity. Created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, the show spent years in development. Paul actually first conceived it as a stage play over 25 years ago before it became a streaming hit. Now, in 2026, the production has finally “crossed the bridge” to the Nederlander Theatre, coming full circle.
The plot remains a masterclass in relatable friction: Josh (Alex Brightman) and Melissa (Sara Chase) are two New York doctors whose relationship has hit a wall. They go on a “Center Park” backpacking retreat to find their spark but wind up crossing a stone bridge into a literal musical. The catch? They can’t leave until they find “True Love.” For a guy like Josh—and let’s be honest, for many guys who are dragged to the theater—being trapped in a world where people burst into song about corn pudding is a special kind of hell. But sometimes life is about more than our personal experiences and needs. Love is teamwork.
A Cast of Heavy Hitters
The stage adaptation benefits from a roster of Broadway royalty who know exactly how to play the “wink-and-a-nod” style required for satire.
- Alex Brightman (Josh): Reprising the role from the Kennedy Center run, Brightman is the ultimate avatar for audience members like me. His dry wit and “I’d rather be at a Knicks game” energy provide the perfect anchor.
- Sara Chase (Melissa): She is a comedic powerhouse. Her “Do-Re-Mi” parody—an anatomically correct lesson for the town’s naive youth—is easily the funniest five minutes currently on 41st Street.
- Ana Gasteyer (Mildred Layton): Taking over the role of the town’s moral gatekeeper, famed SNL-star Gasteyer is terrifyingly brilliant. Her performance of “Tribulation” is a high-speed patter song that would make Harold Hill (another Music Man reference, you’re welcome) sweat.
- Ann Harada (Florence Menlove): Bringing heart to the absurdity, Harada’s timing is, as always, impeccable.
The World of Schmigadoon!: Sets and Influences
Walking into the Nederlander, you are immediately hit by Scott Pask’s scenic design. It’s a Technicolor dreamscape that feels like a 1940s soundstage. The use of forced perspective and “painted-flat” aesthetics perfectly mirrors the artifice of the shows it parodies.
The brilliance of the show lies in its DNA. If you know your Rodgers and Hammerstein, you’ll see the DNA of Oklahoma! in the opening number and Carousel in the rapscallion Danny Bailey (played with oily charm by Max Clayton). The choreography by Christopher Gattelli is a workout just to watch—high-energy, athletic, and full of the “dream ballet” tropes that defined the 1940s. It’s the kind of set and movement that makes even an skeptic admit, “Okay, that was actually impressive.” And by impressive, I mean fucking mesmerizing.
The 2026 Tony Awards Buzz
Before we wrap up, we have to shout out the massive recognition the show just received. Schmigadoon! hasn’t just won over the Bros; it has officially won over the American Theatre Wing. The show tied for the most nominations of the 2025-2026 season with an incredible 12 Tony Award nominations.
Major Nominations Include:
- Best Musical
- Best Book of a Musical: Cinco Paul
- Best Original Score: Cinco Paul
- Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical: Alex Brightman
- Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical: Sara Chase
- Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical: Ana Gasteyer
- Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical: Brad Oscar (as Mayor Menlove)
- Best Choreography: Christopher Gattelli
- Best Scenic Design: Scott Pask
The Final What What
The Nederlander Theatre itself is a bit of a curious relic, tucked away on 41st Street, but its slightly weathered, classic feel actually suits a show that is obsessed with the past. Pro tip: The mezzanine offers the best view of the intricate floor patterns during the big dance numbers, though the orchestra is where you want to be to catch Brightman’s “Jim Halpert-style” Fourth Wall breaks.
Schmigadoon! is that rare show that bridges the gap between the theater nerd and the plus-one. It validates the annoying cynic while rewarding the devotee. Whether you’re here for the Music Man deep cuts or just because your wife promised you drinks at Joe Allen after the curtain call, you’ll find that “Somewhere Love is Waiting for You” isn’t just a song—it’s the feeling you get when the lights go down and the orchestra starts to swell.
Go see Schmigadoon! before the bridge closes on January 3, 2027.
See you under the marquee. – Jim Thompson