© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Theater Talk

THEATER TALK: While we wait, SCHMIGADOON! offers great fun for fans of musicals (and anyone who was ever in one)

By Anthony Chase,
Peter Hall
Published July 23, 2021 at 5:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
SCHMIGADOON! the Broadway musical send-up is available on Apple TV plus (free trial trial available)
SCHMIGADOON! the Broadway musical send-up is available on Apple TV plus (free trial trial available)

Anthony and Peter embarked on an exciting adventure this week. While they wait for theater to return in person, they - like many Broadway fans- found "Schmigadoon!" a great cross-pollination of talent, genres, and contemporary issues.

Apple TV plus
Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan Michael-Key) aren't quite sure what's up in the enchanted town of SCHMIGADOON!

The setup: On a couples backpacking trip which they hoped might jumpstart their relationship, a couple discovers a magical town living in a 1940s-1950s musical (think BRIGADOON, OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, FINIAN'S RAINBOW, THE MUSIC MAN, and more). She is charmed; he hates musicals; but either way they can't leave until they each discover true love. If you love musicals (and we assume that if you're reading this you do) we think you'll love SCHMIGADOON!

The six part series is available on Apple TV Plus for a monthly subscription fee, but free 7-day trials of the online streaming service will allow you to sample at least an episode or two.

"What if Life Were More Like Theater?" sang Neil Patrick Harris at the 2012 Tony Awards
"What if Life Were More Like Theater?" sang Neil Patrick Harris at the 2012 Tony Awards

As mentioned on-air, an antecedent to SCHMIGADOON! was the opening to the 2012 Tony Awards where Neil Patrick Harris sang "What if Life Were More Like Theater?" which, in addition to listening to Theater Talk, is a very enjoyable way to spend five minutes, just by clicking here.

SCHMIGADOON! stars a mix of Broadway and television stars including Keegan-Michael Key as Dr. Josh Skinner, Cecily Strong as Dr. Melissa Gimble, Fred Armisen as hen-pecked Reverend Howard Layton, Kristin Chenoweth as the strict Margaret/Mildred Layton, Dove Cameron as the flirty Betsy McDonough, Jaime Camil as Doc Lopez, Alan Cumming as Mayor Aloysius Menlove, Ariana DeBose as Emma Tate, Ann Harada as Florence Menlove, Jane Krakowski as Countess Gabriele Von Blerkom, Martin Short as The Leprechaun, and hunky Aaron Tveit as bad boy (think Billie Bigelow from CAROUSEL) Danny Bailey.

Broadway's Aaron Tveit as bad boy Danny Bailey with SNL's Cecily Strong as Dr. Melissa Gimble
Apple TV plus
Broadway's Aaron Tveit as bad boy Danny Bailey with SNL's Cecily Strong as Dr. Melissa Gimble

With Lorne Michael and Cecily Strong (among others) as producers, and Bowen Yang as one of the writers, the show is SNL clever. All the songs were written by the showrunner, Cinco Paul, who shares other credits with Ken Daurio, a creative duo perhaps best known for the "Despicable Me" movie trilogy.

Episodes 1 and 2 (of 6) of SCHMIGADOON! premiered on July 16 on Apple TV+, with one episode to be released each week through Friday, August 13. Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial, so if your budget is tight, you could hold out until the second week in August and then binge-watch until your free trial is up. All episodes were filmed in Vancouver, B.C.

BUFFALO THEATER NOTES:

If you missed last week's episode of Theater Talk, the big news was that the Artie Awards are on!
Event: WBFO presents the 30th annual (2019-2020) Artie Awards
Date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Time: The ceremonies start at 7:00 p.m., but come early for red carpet photo ops
Location: Shea's 710 Theatre (thank you Michael Murphy and staff)
Hosts: Anthony Chase, Charmagne Chi, and Amy Jakiel
Music Direction: Allan Paglia

The last (almost) full year/season, the Artie Awards were originally scheduled to be held on Monday, June 15, 2020. However, because of COVID-19, the Artie ceremony was postponed. Nominees were announced, but awards would not be presented until we could gather together as a community. And that time has come. (For nominees, see below, click here, or visit https://artieawards.webs.com/20102020.htm). Theater Talk thanks Doug Weyand for his meticulous stewardship of the archives and event production.

Meanwhile, local theaters continue to announce plans for the Fall and Winter of the current 2021-2022 season. For a chatty overview, please read Javier Bustillos' column "STAGEFRIGHT" appearing in under "Theater News" in Anthony's blog theatertalkbuffalo.com.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is NOT sold out (despite what you may have heard) and continues into August. Read Peter's review here.

Tags
2021 WBFO NewsWBFO Arts & Culture Desk
Anthony Chase
Listen for Theater Talk, Friday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 during Morning Edition.
See stories by Anthony Chase
Peter Hall
Even though "semi-retired," Peter Hall continues to wear many hats. He is the Sunday afternoon host on WBFO’s “sister station,” WNED Classical where he has produced over 1,000 radio interviews with musical artists. If you see him at a theater with a pen in his hand, he’s probably getting ready to co-host “Theater Talk” with Anthony Chase (heard Friday mornings at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. on WBFO) or to write a review for www.buffalorising.com. He is also a member of the "Artie Awards" committee (think “Tony Awards for Buffalo theaters”).
See stories by Peter Hall
Latest Episodes
  • FAITH HEALER opens at Irish Classical January 5 starring L-R Vincent O'Neill, Margaret Massman, and Paul Todaro
    Theater Talk: With strong leadership at the top, theater in our area is looking good heading into 2024
    Anthony and Peter talk about the transitions in leadership at four of our major stages. Audiences are still not at 2019 levels. And COVID as well as cellphones ringing during shows are still a nuisance. HAPPY NEW YEAR! For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS starring Lisa Ludwig continues at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre into 2024!
    Theater Talk: Kids in ANNIE at Shea's are charming; Charmagne Chi's BLUE XMAS is all that and more; 4 CHRISTMAS CAROLS still on stages!
    There are plenty of Christmas shows still running for every taste. ANNIE (it's set at Christmas time) is at Shea's, there are four (4!) different versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Lisa Ludwig stars in THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS, and Charmagne Chi stars (with a cast of 7) in her BLUE XMAS at the Alleyway. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • Charmagne Chi's BLUE CHRISTMAS continues at the Alleyway Theatre Cabaret through December 30
    Theater Talk: With a dozen Christmas shows on stages right now, there's something good for every age from "TVY" to "X!"
    All across our region, there are a solid dozen good shows open this weekend (See Listings) from Cheektowaga (TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS) to Ontario's Shawfest (A CHRISTMAS CAROL) in big venues (PLAID TIDINGS at Shea's 710) to small (BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH CHARMAGNE CHI at the Alleyway Cabaret), just to name 1/3 of the offerings. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • 12 MO' ANGRY MEN continues at Ujima Theatre.jpg
    Theater Talk: 12 MO' ANGRY MEN'S TaNisha Fordham in conversation, exquisite CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shaw, AIR HEART final shows this weekend
    A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Shawfest's Royal George Theatre kicked off the first of several productions of Dickens' story,,, AIR HEART, a one-woman show by actor/aerialist Mara Neimanis at Buff State runs through Sunday. Buffalo-born TaNisha Fordham talks about 12 MO' ANGRY MEN, a play about a jury trying to decide on the guilt of a white police officer who has shot and killed a black teenager. (See listings below.) For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • In A CHRISTMAS STORY at LOH Broadway's John Scherer is grown-up Ralphie, the narrator of the play, with Carter Riccio as young Ralphie.
    Theater Talk: Local stages transition to holiday shows with 8 openings this weekend alone! (See listings.)
    As Brian Higgins prepares to head up Shea's the holiday season finds many, many shows continuing and, depending on your taste, at least 8 openings! (See listings.) For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare has the lawyers asking "Is he Gay, or European?"
    Theater Talk: Right now it's LEGALLY BLONDE, ALL MY SONS, MASTER HAROLD, and THE HOMECOMING and A CHRISTMAS STORY opens the holiday season.
    Good theater all around, including contining LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare, ALL MY SONS at Road Less Traveled and MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Irish Classical and Harold Pinter's THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space. Broadway's John Scherer is back in town as the narrator in A CHRISTMAS STORY at Lancaster Opera House which opens tonight. Many, many shows open in December which is only 7 days away including YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Theatre of Youth. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • ALL MY SONS continues at Road Less Traveled Productions with L-R Sean Cullen, Lisa Vitrano, Lissette DeJesus, Nick Stevens in a serious family discussion
    Theater Talk: Some brilliant drama by Miller, Pinter, and Dickey on area stages (see listings) and Anthony visits NYC
    Talent abounds on local stages with Jessica Dickey's THE CONVENT, Brazen Faced Varlets at Compass Performing Arts Space at 545 Elmwood Avenue, Arthur Miller's ALL MY SONS at Road Less Traveled Productions, Harold Pinter's THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space on Fillmore Avenue, and LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare in Amherst. For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • The Brazen Faced Varlets present THE CONVENT at 545 Elmwood through November 18
    Theater Talk: Another busy week for talented casts in THE CONVENT at BFV, ALL MY SONS at RLTP, THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space, LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare
    Talent abounds on local stages with more openings including THE CONVENT, Brazen Faced Varlets at 545 Elmwood Avenue, ALL MY SONS at Road Less Traveled Productions, Harold Pinter's THE HOMECOMING at Torn Space on Fillmore Avenue, and LEGALLY BLONDE at MusicalFare in Amherst. (See listings below.) For 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • THE NATURAL HORSE continues at the Alleyway (see listings for cast)
    Theater Talk: Plenty of choices: the big MOULIN ROUGE, the intimate SISTERS-IN-LAW and HOARDING HOPE, and comedy too - THE NATURAL HORSE, GOLDEN GIRLS, and ROCKY HORROR.
    It's a golden week for Buffalo theater. Something for everyone, as they say. And for everyone, ror 31 years (as of November 2023) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
  • HOARDING HOPE at Paul Robeson Theatre stars Maria Costa as a nurse during the AIDS crisis
    Theater Talk: Lots to talk about. On the big stage: MOULIN ROUGE. On a smaller stage, HOARDING HOPE at Paul Robeson, and many openings (see listings)
    So many things to talk about in five minutes! Buckle up but you don't need to take notes.... it's all there in the listings on the website. For 30 years (as of November 2022) Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase, who joins Peter Hall for a five-minute weekly broadcast at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on 88.7 WBFO with a podcast available on wbfo.org. NOTE: Theater listings are included with the podcast. As part of BTPM (Buffalo Toronto Public Media), their beat is primarily Buffalo theater, but Broadway, The Shaw Festival, and The Stratford Festival are covered as other relevant art forms are touched on, including ballet and opera.
Load More