Cecily Strong finds her calling with new series Schmigadoon!
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE STAR OFFERS HER THOUGHTS ON NEW MUSIC-FILLED APPLE TV+ SERIES SCHMIGADOON!
It turns out that in life and art, there’s no place Cecily Strong would rather be than trapped in a 1940s musical. So she found her perfect calling in Schmigadoon! a new comedy that casts Strong as one half of an onthe-rocks couple who find themselves stuck in a classic movie musical.
“I burst into song all the time,” the Saturday Night Live star says smiling in a video call from New York City.
Strong and Keegan-michael Key play Melissa and Josh, who stumble into a strange town while trying to repair their relationship during a backpacking trip through Europe.
The six-episode Apple TV+ series comes from the minds of Despicable Me screenwriters Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, as well as Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld.
In the musical town, Melissa and Josh encounter a cast of eccentric locals played by Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Krakowski and Aaron Tveit, among others.
Q Schmigadoon! is unlike anything else we’ve seen on television recently. What intrigued you the most about the series?
A It was just so sincere. It’s obviously very funny. Of course, I love comedy. But what really got me was how sweet it was and sincere. For a comedy to not be snarky or cynical and let itself be vulnerable by being sincere was so wonderful. I’m always drawn to comedy with a heart.
Q You do sing on SNL and you belt out several Broadway-worthy numbers on Schmigadoon! What comes easier to you, comedy or music?
A Certainly, comedy is easier and more natural. There’s a lot of music in my life, but it’s not always good.
Q Were you a big a musical theatre kid growing up?
A Absolutely. My grandmother started showing me musicals on VHS when I was six or seven. Oliver! was the first one I saw, then I think I owned My Fair Lady and West Side Story ... I would go to the local video store and I would watch a different one every time we were in there. They’re not all hits, but they’re always fun.
Q Is there pressure stepping outside something as big as SNL?
A It’s more excitement. It’s exciting to do something that I love and get to share that. It’s a lucky opportunity.
Q Was it hard learning all the songs and choreography? Kristin (Chenoweth) has this great one-take number that’s just incredible to watch.
A We all love singing and dancing and we were just going to get it right. But I hope Kristin’s song becomes one of those moments people recognize as a one take. I know when I watch Judy Garland singing The Man That Got Away (in A Star Is Born), I always turn to someone and say, “You know that’s one take? It’s all one shot.” I hope Kristin’s number becomes one of those iconic moments.
Q You’re on SNL every week in front of a live audience. How do you know when you’re funny?
A It’s tough to say. Sometimes, I think to myself, “That’s funny that people like that. I thought that was just for me.” I never quite know. I don’t know if I’m the best person to know what’s funny. If you just surround yourself with the best of the best, that’s usually a good gauge.
Q Will you return for your 10th season on SNL in September?
A I don’t know yet, to be honest. My life is on hold because I’m so excited for Schmigadoon! coming out. I just want to get to July 16 and then I’ll think about what’s next. Then I’ll think about what to do in September.
Q When audiences get to the end of the first season, fans are probably going to wonder if there’s more Schmigadoon! in your future.
A I would be open to more Schmigadoon! in any way. I just had such a wonderful experience. I don’t think I’ve said “I love you” to so many people on a set before.
Q We’ve been talking about musicals and I haven’t even asked your favourite one.
A I have so many favourites — it depends on my mood or the time of the year. But I think one that I find very funny and touching is Into the Woods. That’s my answer for this season.