Take a trip down a darker, ‘60s musical lane and you’ll find yourself in ‘Schmicago’ – the sexier and equally intriguing town in Apple TV+’s second season of “Schmigadoon!“
In the season two premiere, our favorite musical-bound couple Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) find themselves seeking more happiness (or their idea of it) out of their current life. From the trailer alone, we witness Josh and Melissa finding themselves worn down by their day-to-day professions and their lack of Schmigadoon sparkle; the dynamic duo soon make their way into the forest to seek out Schmigadoon.
Only this time, dark and seedy cobblestone streets have replaced the bright green pastures they once knew, and shady characters have come into play. Naturally, Josh and Melissa find themselves at the epicenter of the town scandal, this time in the form of a murder mystery.
Amidst the mystique this season, your favorite characters have also taken on a new particular personality. Dove Cameron will take on the role of “Jenny Banks”, Aaron Tveit as “Topher”, Jaime Camil as “Sergeant Rivera”, Ann Harada as “Madam Frau”, and Jane Krakowski as “Bobby Flanagan”.
Another change to last season is the introduction of the leading role, played by the hilarious Tituss Burgess, whose narration will keep you on your toes and laughing out loud.
While this season will bring just as many laughs and incredible musical numbers (stay tuned for Jane Krakowski’s “career highlight” ‘Bells And Whistles’ piece) as its first season, it will also bring out a lot of meaningful moments; especially for the cast themselves.
“I feel like most of the numbers, even the comedic ones have some great meaning to them, especially in the context of the journey that they’re going through”, Keegan says when asked about his favorite number.
“I do have a place in my heart for the closing number”, Keegan continues thoughtfully before adding, “it does touch on things that people try to understand about each other and how they work through their life together and in a really particle way; I feel like Cinco was putting a lot of himself into that”.
Cinco Paul, show co-creator, executive producer and writer has truly become a man of many hats and certainly brings his enthusiasm and appreciation for musical theater into the Schmigadoon series.
When asked about his experience Paul refers to Schmigadoon as “a dream” and one that still makes him have to “pinch” himself over its success.
When it comes to Schmigadoon’s many accolades, Paul mentions that a lot of the draw comes from the fact that “the show is fun and bright and hopeful, and everything is done with love.”
Camil echoed similar sentiments when discussing Schmicago’s overall feel, affectionately calling it a “love fest” when on set.
“The most important thing about the show is that we genuinely and sincerely like each other and love each other as cast members,” Camil says earnestly. “That’s the difference in what makes it so very special.”
In addition, what makes this season unique is its innovative dive into ’60s and ’70s-style musicals, and that impact on Josh and Melissa.
Paul mentions that he noticed few musicals during the ‘60s and ‘70s had happy endings, and that was what determined Josh and Melissa’s journey this season.
“As a couple now [Josh and Melissa] are fine but they’re just not finding the happiness they think they ought to have in the real world, Paul says before continuing, “so let’s send them on a journey where they’re in a very dark place and they can’t leave until they make a happy ending. I think the important message is that you can’t just make a happy ending for yourself, you need to make it for everyone around you; that’s where you really find happiness.”
Discover your version of happiness and tune into Apple TV+ to catch season 2 of Schmigadoon today!
