Whoever said “they don’t make ’em like they used to” hasn’t seen Schmigadoon! A passion project for Cinco Paul MFA ’93, this affectionate parody of classic Broadway musicals recently won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

For Paul, a Broadway novice who won three awards, the show’s success is “literally a dream come true.” It’s also a validation of sorts, since Schmigadoon! began as an Apple TV series that was canceled after two seasons. Rather than shopping it to another streamer, the USC School of Cinematic Arts alum decided to turn Schmigadoon! into a live musical. The results have been spectacular, especially at a time when only a handful of original musicals make it to Broadway.

Asked where he plans to keep his Tony Awards, Paul said, “Right on the piano, because that’s where it all started.”

Schmigadoon! is currently playing at Broadway’s Nederlander Theater, with performances running through January 2027.

Photo credit: Heather Gershonowitz