Cinco Paul’s Musical Journey Shines in ‘Schmigadoon!’

The Musical Roots of Cinco Paul

Cinco Paul has a deep-rooted passion for musicals, nurtured from childhood by his piano teacher mother who filled their home with the sounds of cast recordings. Growing up, Paul was enchanted by the iconic characters of musicals like ‘Camelot,’ ‘Guys and Dolls,’ ‘South Pacific,’ and ‘My Fair Lady.’ He gravitated towards the movie adaptations of classics such as ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain.’ His exposure to theater in Phoenix solidified his love for musicals as he experienced productions like ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ and ‘Carousel,’ resonating deeply with songs like ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’

From Screenwriter to Musical Creator

As an adult, Cinco Paul made a name for himself in the film industry with successful family films including ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘The Secret Life of Pets.’ However, his affinity for musicals persisted. In his 30s, Paul conceptualized a show inspired by the 1947 musical ‘Brigadoon.’ It revolves around two outsiders discovering a village where music fuels the community’s spirit. Though this idea lay dormant for two decades, it eventually evolved into ‘Schmigadoon!,’ first as a 2021 AppleTV+ series, and now as a Broadway show.

The narrative of ‘Schmigadoon!’ follows two weary doctors, Melissa and Josh, who find themselves entrapped in a town alive with musical reprises. Through whimsical dream ballets, even Josh, the skeptical one, opens up to the magic of trust and song.

Affectionate Homage to Musical Classics

The Broadway adaptation of ‘Schmigadoon!’ continues to pay homage to classic musicals. Elisabeth Vincentelli remarked in The New York Times that the show is ‘affectionate without being misty-eyed, sharp without being sanctimonious.’ For Paul, collaborating on the show’s songs was a journey filled with reverence for musical history. Each number nods to acclaimed works, infusing the production with layers of musical pastiche that appeal to both aficionados and casual viewers alike.

While Paul is confident in the show’s universal comedic appeal, he acknowledges that musical devotees will find extra delight in recognizing subtle references, such as Oscar Hammerstein’s cleverly extracted lines in ‘Carousel’s’ ‘Soliloquy.’

An excerpt from the title song of ‘Schmigadoon!’