**Sara Chase Speaks on Healing Journey with ‘Schmigadoon!’ Following Cancer Battle**
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Broadway star Sara Chase has recently opened up about her remarkable journey back to the stage following her diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer, describing her role in the musical adaptation of ‘Schmigadoon!’ as an emotionally restorative experience. At the Tony Awards’ ‘Meet the Nominees’ event held on 14 May 2026, she took a moment to reflect on her health struggles while celebrating her nomination for Leading Actress in a Musical.
The 42-year-old actress first received her cancer diagnosis during her time in another Broadway production, the musical ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Chase underwent treatment throughout the day, maintaining her performance schedule in the evenings, until she ultimately decided to take a leave of absence from the show in June 2024. After returning to the stage in October, she made the difficult decision to leave the production entirely by March 2025.
Now, Chase has made her triumphant return to Broadway in ‘Schmigadoon!’ which opened at the Nederlander Theatre in April. Despite affirming that her physical health is stable, she elaborated on the lingering psychological effects of her medical experiences. “Psychologically, the experience is still very much with me in every moment,” she explained, articulating the ongoing impact of her diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. “Every moment of the Schmigadoon! process, I have to remind my body and my brain that we’re not back there.”
The actress shared that her involvement in ‘Schmigadoon!’ has provided her with a healing journey, helping her reclaim a sense of joy after a harrowing health crisis. “There have been moments that have been very difficult, but ultimately it’s been healing to go through this process again and realise, ‘Okay, it’s not the same as last time,’” Chase remarked.
Chase is determined to use her platform to advocate for cancer awareness, emphasising the importance of preventive measures. Her cancer was detected after she underwent preventative surgery due to a positive test for the BRCA1 gene mutation. “Truly the only reason I wanted to speak out was because I know it’s scary and it’s a process, but please get screened, get checked, do all the things. Prevention is the best medicine,” she encouraged her audience.
In ‘Schmigadoon!’, Chase takes on the role of Melissa Gimble, a doctor who finds herself trapped in a magical town reminiscent of the Golden Age of musicals. To escape, she must locate true love, a quest complicated by her surgeon boyfriend, Josh Skinner, portrayed by Alex Brightman.
The production, directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli, is adapted from the Apple TV series that resonated with audiences during its two-season run, featuring a host of Broadway talents. With a book and score penned by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, ‘Schmigadoon!’ has garnered critical acclaim, receiving a total of 12 Tony nominations this year, including Best Musical.
Chase, a fan of the television series prior to her involvement in the stage adaptation, expressed her enthusiasm for the comedic and musical elements it blends. “I watched as a fan because it’s comedy and musical theatre, and many Broadway people were in it,” she recounted. Her connection to the show undoubtedly contributed to the excitement surrounding her nomination, which elicited mixed feelings of panic and relief.
Reflecting on the moment she learned of her nomination, she shared that the lead-up was fraught with anxiety. “I have to be honest, the 24 hours leading up to nominations I was so panicked and in a nervous ball, which is very not like me,” she said. The announcement brought an overwhelming sense of relief, evolving into genuine excitement as she embraced the acknowledgement of her talent.
As the theatre community anticipates the upcoming Tony Awards, scheduled to take place at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2026, public interest in both Chase’s journey and the production of ‘Schmigadoon!’ continues to grow. Tickets for the show are now available, beckoning audiences eager to witness the magic on stage.
In a landscape where artistic expression meets personal resilience, Chase’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the healing power of the arts and the importance of advocacy within the realm of health. Her journey not only highlights the struggles many face in their personal lives but also underscores the triumphs that can emerge from adversity.