When Lorne Michaels first heard the tune “Schmigadoon!” , a comedic love letter to the Golden Age musicals of the 1940s and ’50s, didn’t have to look far from his leading lady — he was shown on “Saturday Night Live” star Cecily Strong. When asked why, Michaels simply said, “I didn’t think of anyone else.”
After watching the show, whose first season premiered last year on Apple TV Plus, it’s clear why Strong was the right match for Melissa Gimple, a New York City doctor who finds herself and her boyfriend Josh Skinner (Kegan Michael Key) trapped in a mystical land, only able to leave. When they find true love. But, Michaels explains, “I knew she would know the ways in which you move and the complexity of it but also understand this reality of animation. And I know she would make us care about that relationship.”
Created by Cinco Paul and Ken Dario, with Paul taking over the show duties and writing all songs (with underlines from Christopher Willis), “Schmigadon!” It works as a loving parody and sharp irony, with characters and relationships that the audience genuinely cares about. All six episodes have been directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and the cast features an impressive lineup that includes winners Tony Kristen Chenoweth, Jane Krakowski, Martin Short and Aaron Tveit as well as Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose.
Michaels and Strong spoke to diverse About the shows that inspired them, filming during COVID restrictions and what to expect in Season 2.
You have to be a fan of musicals to do a show like this – when did you fall in love with the genre?
Lorne Michaels: I can go first because I’m older. I grew up at a time – well, I hate to use the word climax – but when musicals were really peaking. Shows like “My Fair Lady” and All Sondheims. It was a huge part of the culture in the ’50s and ’60s and then rock ‘n’ roll took its place in my life somewhat, but I never lost interest. It was one of the first things I liked.
Cecily Strong: My grandmother bought me two VHS musicals when I was a kid, and I really remember them were “South Pacific,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Oliver,” which were my favorites. I’ve been through the real “South Pacific” phase for quite some time.
Michaels: We used to give musicals at summer camp and I actually did a “South Pacific” production there, with roles as a 14-year-old.
How did the show get your way and what sparked your interest in creating it?
Michaels: I met up with Cinco Paul and thought he was perfect for Cecily and brought him [her] Almost immediately. But it was a long process in terms of rewriting and reshaping. We’ve done some table readings for Apple – Apple has been pretty much it from the start, but I don’t think they know what they’ve got. They liked the idea but I urged them to come to a table to read it and watch it live to understand what it would be like.
strong: When he first explained it, I was like, “Well, sure. I don’t know what any of that means.” But I was inside. And then I read on the first table, I really saw how much there was. It was funny, honest, and honest, at the time, it was so cool to do something that spreads so much joy.
Michaels: We did three [table reads], I believe. Each time a different difference. Andrew Garfield did it once, playing a different role. We were arranging it in the best possible way, and those shows really helped shape the part. But the process took a long time and people had other obligations; Things change. I am very grateful to all the representatives who helped us organize the workshop.
The cast is very exceptional. Did you find that people were eager to log in? It’s an all-star lineup of Broadway talent.
Michaels: I always say that if you write good parts, you will get good actors. And there were really good parts. Also, Barry Sonnenfeld had his own relationships with people like Kristen Chenoweth. A lot of people there are somehow connected to our world – they’ve done “SNL” or loved musicals.
strong: I think it’s more indicative now of what that means for us, because there are no COVID restrictions stopping people from working and everyone has made sure to make time to come back for season two.
Cecily, your chemistry with Keegan is absolutely amazing and makes us cheer for this couple right from the start. Did you know each other before this?
strong: I think I met him. But I was just thinking about it. You know how you can see someone and assume you’ll be best friends with them? It was one of those times when it really happened. It was like meeting someone I’ve known all my life. We both share a Midwest and painting background and are obsessed with musical theater. And we’re big crying babies – we often joke about who’s going to cry first. I think he once said, “You know, I’ve never had that kind of feeling to be photographed with someone before, and that was Jordan.” It was so much fun working with him, and I was almost worried we’d get into trouble on the set because we just wanted to break up.
Michaels: We talked a lot about Keegan during the process. In the end, the show wouldn’t have worked without these two leads and it was Keegan’s instinct. It was one of those rare occasions that she was right.
strong: (Laugh) It happens every now and then. It’s like an eclipse.
I can’t help but notice that after filming this, two cast members hosted “Saturday Night Live.” Was it that kind of experience for Keegan and Ariana DeBose?
Michaels: Ariana was breathtaking in “Schmegadon!” But then I saw West Side Story and knew she would be a great host. They weren’t as well known as they are now, but it’s always nice to be early on these things.
Yes, it was great that she won an Academy Award for helping to promote your show!
strong: It was nice of her to take one for the team.
Because this shot is in October, there was a time when Cecily was filming “Schmigadon!” and “Saturday Night Live?”
strong: yes. I did some remote things with the crew. I think Kimberly Guilfoyle was the first thing I photographed in Vancouver – and what a way to introduce yourself to a group of Canadians, screaming at the top of your lungs wearing fake breasts and fake nails. I did a few other things but it was really hard because it was dangerous to set up anything that could be straightforward. I wish I could do more.
Of course, I have to ask about season two – is there anything you can reveal? I guess you call it “Chicago”?
strong: Yes, we’ll go to musicals in the ’60s and ’70s. I can’t reveal much, but I will say, I’m loving my wardrobe this season. Oh yes. I’ve already worn feathers twice, so if that tells you anything.
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