Grab Your 'Corn Puddin'' - 'Schmigadoon!' To Bring Musical Comedy Magic To Broadway

The magical world of Schmigadoon! is officially making its way from streaming screens to the Broadway stage, bringing with it the show's celebration of love in all its forms and its notably inclusive cast of LGBTQ+ performers. The musical comedy, based on the cult-favorite Apple TV+ series, will begin previews at the Nederlander Theatre on April 4, 2026, with opening night scheduled for April 20 and a limited run through September 6, 2026 .

The stage adaptation follows the storyline of the television series' first season, where New York doctors Josh and Melissa embark on a couples' retreat that leads them to discover the magical town of Schmigadoon—a place where Golden Age Broadway musicals come to life. The production features a book, music, and lyrics by Emmy winner and Grammy nominee Cinco Paul, who also created the original television series alongside Ken Daurio .

"Schmigadoon is a love letter to the Golden Age of movie musicals," said producer Lorne Michaels. "It's a little bit nostalgic and a lot of fun. We're very excited to bring it to Broadway" .

The musical will feature beloved songs from the television series, including the fan-favorite "Corn Puddin'," alongside several new compositions created specifically for the stage adaptation. According to Paul, audiences familiar with the TV show will encounter some surprises while following the same basic trajectory and story as the first season .

The original Apple TV+ series garnered significant attention within LGBTQ+ communities for its inclusive casting and themes of acceptance. The television show featured several prominent LGBTQ+ performers, including Alan Cumming, who brought his signature theatrical flair to the magical town, and Ariana DeBose, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community .

The series also starred Broadway favorites including Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, Dove Cameron, Fred Armisen, Jaime Camil, Jane Krakowski, and Ann Harada, many of whom have been vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and representation in theater .

While the Broadway production's cast has not yet been announced, the Kennedy Center world premiere earlier in 2025 featured a diverse ensemble that maintained the inclusive spirit of the original series. The Washington, D.C. production was led by Alex Brightman and Sara Chase as the central couple Josh and Melissa, with Ann Harada reprising her television role as Florence Menlove .

The Kennedy Center production received positive reviews, with critics noting that the stage adaptation successfully captures the whimsical spirit of the original series while standing on its own merits. One review noted that "Schmigadoon! doesn't require one to have seen the TV show to understand and appreciate all the references to the musicals of yesteryear, but for those who do, it's that much more fun" .

The production was directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, whose previous work includes choreographing the Tony Award-winning musical Newsies. The Kennedy Center cast also included Kevin Del Aguila as Reverend Layton, McKenzie Kurtz as Betsy, Isabelle McCalla as Emma, Javier Muñoz as Doc Lopez, Brad Oscar as Mayor Menlove, Emily Skinner as Mildred, and Ryan Vasquez as Danny .

The transition of Schmigadoon! to Broadway represents a growing trend of streaming content making its way to live theater. This movement reflects the entertainment industry's recognition of the quality storytelling and production values that streaming platforms have brought to musical content. The success of the Apple TV+ series, which ran for two seasons and developed a devoted fanbase, demonstrated the appetite for musical comedy that celebrates both classic Broadway traditions and contemporary storytelling .

The choice of the Nederlander Theatre, a historic Broadway venue with a capacity of over 1,200 seats, signals the producers' confidence in the show's commercial appeal. The theater has previously housed successful musicals including Rent, which was groundbreaking for its LGBTQ+ representation, making it a fitting home for another production that celebrates love and acceptance .

As the Broadway production moves toward its April 2026 opening, the announcement of the full cast and creative team is eagerly anticipated by both fans of the original series and theater enthusiasts. The limited run through September suggests that the production is being positioned as a special theatrical event, potentially creating urgency among audiences to experience this unique blend of television and stage magic.

The Broadway adaptation of Schmigadoon! arrives at a time when the theater industry continues to embrace diverse voices and stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. For LGBTQ+ theatergoers and allies, the production represents another opportunity to see their community represented on Broadway stages, continuing the legacy of inclusion that has become increasingly important to modern musical theater.

The production's emphasis on love, acceptance, and the transformative power of music aligns with values that resonate strongly within LGBTQ+ communities. As Josh and Melissa navigate their relationship challenges in the magical town where everyone communicates through song and dance, audiences will likely find universal themes about finding authentic love and acceptance—messages that have particular significance for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

With its combination of nostalgic Broadway charm, contemporary storytelling, and inclusive representation, Schmigadoon! is positioned to become a significant addition to Broadway's 2026 season, offering both entertainment and meaningful representation for diverse audiences seeking stories that celebrate love in all its forms.