EPISODE 3: Schmicago (Schmigadoon Season 2) vs Original Influences

Hair (1967): The hippies greet Josh with "good morning, Josh-shine," which is a reference to the song "Good Morning Starshine" from the musical Hair. The intro to "Everyone's Gotta Get Naked" further resembles "Good Morning Starshine" with its playful nonsensical words. As an aside, a handful of the nonsense words used in "Everyone's Gotta Get Naked" are actually names of the characters from the 1971 musical Grease (Rizzo, Cha Cha, Doody, Zuko, Kenickie). "Everyone's Gotta Get Naked" has choreography similar to "Aquarius" which is also from Hair. The song refers to the infamous nude scene from Hair, which was so controversial that at one point it made it to the Supreme Court. Godspell (1970): Topher's hippy clan resembles Jesus's followers from Godspell, with their campy personalities, eclectic bright costumes, face paint, and junk yard gathering place. The names of the hippies are the first names of the actors who play them. This is a tradition of Godspell; the characters are always named after the actors (except for Jesus and Judas) Annie (1977) & Sweeney Todd (1979): Mrs Caldwell's character is based on Miss Hannigan from Annie mixed with Mrs Lovett from Sweeney Todd. Sweeney Todd (1979): Dooley Blight is inspired by Sweeney Todd. "The Worst Brats in Town" (and its reprise) are based on Sweeney Todd's "Worst Pies in London," and the next song "There Was a Butcher" is based on Sweeney Todd's "The Barber and His Wife" and "Epiphany." Godspell (1970): The parable scene pokes fun at Godspell. All the parables in that musical feel exactly like that. Chicago (1975), A Chorus Line (1975) & Company (1970): Schmicago's "Bells and Whistles" echos the meaning behind Chicago's "Razzle Dazzle," with a fun nod to "We Both Reached for the Gun." The musical style resembles A Chorus Line's "Dance 10 Looks 3." The patter toward the end of the song is reminiscent of the patter from Company's “Not Getting Married Today” Jesus Christ Superstar (1971) & Sweeney Todd (1979): "Two Birds with One Stone" has musical influences from Jesus Christ Superstar's “Hosanna” and “This Jesus Must Die.” The self-flagellation references Judge Turpin's song "Mea Culpa" from Sweeney Todd. http://lckratzke.blogspot.com/2023/08.... --- Big thanks to ‪@broadwaybyghostlight‬ for his amazing breakdowns of Schmicago! Go to his youtube for much more in depth analyses of each episode, along with interviews with Chris Gattelli and Cinco Paul!