Schmigadoon! Schmiganalysis | How We Change (Ep 6)

[@mrkymrk310]

Looking back on that finale number, it's just so clever how they foreshadowed the new season. So excited for the Schmigadoon Multiverse. Multi-Schmiga-verse, if you will. In a way, Mel and Josh are their version of nexus beings, when you think about it.

[@lynnsebrell5130]

The woods scene seemed like a good transition point from Golden Age to 70s Sondheim - referencing both the chase scene from Brigadoon, and the late Act II Into the Woods scene with Jack and the Baker in a tree talking about Jack’s mother while the Baker offers advice and consolation (substituting Carson and Josh). The first half of the finale seemed very “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George, acknowledging Sondheim as an agent of change, before heading into what was obviously Schwartz. I like that Josh’s song was emotional but not polished. Cinco Paul confirmed that KMK was asked not to work with a vocal coach for the song. Thanks for these recaps!

[@JillyCookeMusic]

To me, the beginning of the song "How We Change" (including the piano underscoring right before the song starts) SCREAMED "Sunday" from _Sunday in the Park with George,_ which immediately prompted me to sob (after I was already crying from Josh's "You Make Me Wanna Sing"). The way in which the song subtly incorporated more modern musical elements was incredibly clever, and the transition into the reprise of the title number was utterly thrilling.

[@StealingFocus]

For sure! That's a good one!

[@sirjedisentinel]

Ending this golden age tribute with a more contemporary song called "How We Change" ...Clever

[@maxnorton1209]

I could see it becoming an anthology series, and since the Schmigadoonians were changing already, they could keep the name Schmigadoon. I like your idea of them crossing the bridge and landing in New York in the 1970's, but it could also work with this season's concept, but a new couple would find a Schmigadoon that looks and sounds like musicals in the late 50's (West Side Story?) to the 70's (Jesus Christ Superstar, Company?). It could work either way.

[@Amanda-kd1zr]

Your Schmigadoon analyses have made me a subscriber! I feel like I caught a lot of references while watching but you've pointed out some I missed. You two are a lot of fun and I look forward to going over a possible season 2, as well. Thank you for giving Cecily the credit she deserves--she's amazing. Also, the mash-up you did with Caitlin Reilly was so funny--shows you watch a lot of great stuff!

[@ariellakahan-harth8831]

My idea for the second season goes that Mel and Josh make it back to present-day New York, only to be taking a walk late one night which leads them into a part of the city that looks like it froze in the 1970s. Suddenly, they are pushed into becoming one of the various couples who are the friends of a single man, and it gets crazier from there. And at one point, they do a Fosse-style dance.

[@newglappy2389]

Season 2 would be called A Chorus Lime

[@cleverlilvixen]

I've really enjoyed watching your entire review/analysis. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who noticed but, along with all the golden age musical theater Easter eggs, Schmigadoon had A LOT of homages to musicals on film. The dance during "Enjoy the Ride" feels a lot like "Who's Got the Pain" from Damn Yankees.. and on the note of pointing out Singing in the Rain as the "best movie musical" ever, the pas de deux in "You Make Me Wanna Sing" seems to be the same dance Gene Kelley and Debbie Reynolds shared in "You Were Meant For Me" (The scene that was playing on the TV in episode 1) Those are just a couple of the big ones that leapt out at me, but I know there was a lot more... Also, I thought that Melissa's speech leading in as the intro to "You Make Me Wanna Sing" was a brilliant call back to the toast Melissa gave at their 1 year anniversary in episode 1.

[@HenryKathman]

Don’t forget the best confession from Betsy, “I’m pretty sure that I am a socialist”

[@DemiSemme]

Betsy and Danny shall join forces to make a more equitable carnival, and from there, introduce a full revolution to Schmigadoon.

[@StealingFocus]

It was a line of dialogue, that's for sure!

[@UranusHz420]

“Schma Schmorus Schline”. You were so close.

[@samanthahamilton9117]

Interesting to note that the ante penultimate scene takes place in a misty woods…as does the climactic scene in Brigadoon. (Full disclosure: I don’t actually get to see full episodes, and am surviving on clips and reviews… I just love KMK and Chenoweth.) Anyway, my dad played Mr. Lundie in the 1980 revival… the chase scene in the misty woods was led by Olympic skater John Curry as Beaton. At one point, the SM told the cast that three minutes had to come out of the last act… my dad joked that if the chase scene wouldn’t come down, they’d replace Curry with (speed medalist) Eric Heiden. Reportedly, Mr. Curry was not amused. Oh, honey, I could tell you stories… Minnie’s Boys? Come Summer? As I know you know, there is much to be learned from flops.

[@lynnsebrell5130]

Ooh, I saw that production!

[@joeevans5770]

Ifs there is a season 2 it should be based on 70s musicals and season 3 and 80s musicals

[@getnkosi]

The entire cast is amazing, they all need nominations once Emmy season rolls around. I loved this show, and hopeful for season 2 They did the 40s and 50s. Next season should be 60s and 70s. the wiz, Chicago, grease, cabaret, hair, hello dolly, a chorus line, bye bye birdie... Better written women, more people of color, free love...

[@jennatomashosky8624]

Scmompany

[@osnatashtaralevin8944]

Will you guys do a review of "Galavant" (please please please !!! )

[@Salamon2]

I also think the definition of Golden Age musicals used was a little more expansive than the one Emily gave. He brought in late 1930s movie musical references--which, granted the ones he chose from that era typically were the set up influences which would lead to the Golden Age of Musicals, and the early 1960s hangovers of the Golden Age of Musicals, i.e. Golden Age type musicals which were produced after Hammerstein's death. Though frankly, I disagree with ending the Golden Age of musicals with 1959. I would instead argue that from 1959 - 1964 the Golden Age style slowly faded out of style, with the last Golden Age musical IMO being Hello Dolly! Likewise what replaced it didn't emerge fully sprouted from the womb in 1959, but had been slowly emerging since 1957 with West Side Story.

[@StealingFocus]

You can have your opinion but in my research over the past year, the historiographical consensus is that the golden age ended around 1960, Camelot being the final nail in the coffin (re: Mordden’s analysis). Like most art forms, there is always a gradual transition but my research backs me up on this. Dolly was a throwback in 1964 and a surprise hit and it’s part of the research for my next big video so I will expand upon it more soon.

[@StealingFocus]

But hey it’s almost like I’m doing an off-the-cuff vlog as opposed to my history lesson videos. 🤷🏼‍♀️