There's something quietly radical about a musical that spends two hours laughing at the very idea of finding love, and then leaves you holding your own hand a little tighter on the way out. That's the magic I'm still buzzing about after seeing *Schmigadoon!* at the Nederlander Theatre. The crowd around me wasn't just clapping; they were glowing, the kind of shared joy that feels almost old-fashioned in a world that loves to be cynical. And honestly? That's exactly what I needed, and probably what you need too, whether you've been in a relationship for years or are still waiting for your own personal cornfield to sing you into a different life.
The show, which won the Tony for Best Musical, doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's a comedy, yes, but it's a comedy with a pulse, one that understands that the search for connection is messy, awkward, and often hilarious. You don't watch it to escape reality; you watch it to remember that reality is allowed to be lighter. That's a rare gift, and it's one that reminded me of other recent performances we've covered, like the raw, intimate connection explored in Seen, Supported, and Strong: Adia Anselmi's NYC Performance Explores Connection, where vulnerability was the whole point. And just as that piece used movement to break down walls, *Schmigadoon!* uses song to do the same, just with more sequins and a wink at the audience. It's in that spirit of celebrating the body and the heart that I also loved seeing the community focus in Chicago Dance Company Celebrates New Works and Rising Talent in 2026-27 Season, proving that whether it's a new stage or a new season, the goal is always the same: to make us feel seen. And let's not forget the Martha Graham Dance Company Finds New Home, Inspires in Times Square, which shows that finding a place to belong, even a physical one, can be its own kind of happy ending.
Here's my honest take: we don't need another story telling us that love is out there if we just try harder. We need stories that remind us that the trying itself is where the fun lives. *Schmigadoon!* gets that. It's not about perfection, thank goodness, because that's never been the point. It's about showing up, even when you're off-key, and letting yourself be a little ridiculous for the sake of joy. That's a lesson that translates straight into our own lives, whether that's signing up for a new fitness class that scares you or just deciding to wear the dress that makes you feel like a queen on a random Tuesday. If you're asking me whether you should book a ticket, my answer is a firm yes, but only if you're ready to leave your armor at the door. The real takeaway here isn't the romance; it's the permission to laugh at yourself while you're still hoping for the best. And the one thing I'm watching for now? How many people walk out of that theater and start humming their own tune, because that's the kind of magic that follows you home.
