Jennifer Simard to Replace Ana Gasteyer in Broadway’s “Schmigadoon!”

Broadway musical enthusiasts have something new to look forward to as Jennifer Simard joins the cast of “Schmigadoon!” in the role of Mildred Layton, commencing on September 8. Simard, a celebrated actress with three Tony Award nominations to her name, takes over the character from Ana Gasteyer, who is set to perform her final show on September 6 at the Nederlander Theatre.

Simard’s addition to the production comes on the heels of her successful portrayal in “Death Becomes Her,” where her performance as Helen Sharp garnered critical acclaim and a third Tony nomination. Following nods for her work in “Company” and “Disaster!”, Simard’s experience spans a range of Broadway productions, including notable performances in “Mean Girls,” “Once Upon a One More Time,” “Sister Act,” and “Hello, Dolly!” where she performed alongside Bette Midler.

“Schmigadoon!” made its debut at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre on April 20, transitioning from the popular Apple TV musical comedy series crafted by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The production has achieved considerable acclaim, securing four Tony Awards, a testament to its engaging storytelling and vibrant score. It was celebrated as the most nominated new musical of the season, winning accolades for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Orchestrations.

The narrative of “Schmigadoon!” follows a couple, Josh Skinner and Melissa Gimble, played by Alex Brightman and Sara Chase respectively, who unexpectedly stumble into a whimsical town where life unfolds like a Golden Age musical. Their journey is marked by the quest for true love, which may not necessarily point back to each other, making the storyline both humorous and thought-provoking.

Simard’s character, Mildred Layton, holds a pivotal role in the musical’s plot as the preacher’s wife and self-proclaimed guardian of the town’s moral fabric. Displaying a suspicious nature towards the new arrivals, she actively resists the changes that Josh and Melissa bring, positioning herself as one of the story’s main antagonists. The character ultimately aims to unseat the town’s mayor, intensifying the comedic conflict.

One of Simard’s standout moments in the production is the Act 2 showstopper “Tribulation,” an energetic number inspired by the classic song “Ya Got Trouble” from “The Music Man.” In this musical highlight, Mildred rallies the townsfolk, inciting them with fervor over her perception of Schmigadoon’s moral decay, showcasing Simard’s flair for both comedic and powerful musical performance.

While Simard prepares to step into her new role, Gasteyer’s exit from “Schmigadoon!” follows a successful tenure that included her first Tony nomination for portraying Layton. The announcement of her departure was made on August 5, signalling an end to her time with the lively production.

On a related note, Gasteyer is not stepping away from the stage entirely. She is set to reprise her role as September L. Davis, an over-the-top Broadway diva character, for a limited engagement titled “September L. Davis: The Apology Tour,” beginning September 20. The concerts maintain Gasteyer’s comedic exploration of theatrical fame and misfortune, where her character aims to redeem herself through musical performance.

In her trademark theatrical style, Davis has declared her need for redemption from the “cancellation” she claims to have faced, highlighting her belief in second chances and the complexities of being human. The character has amusingly referenced her aspirations for a Tony Award, though she maintains that the true objective lies in ethical redemption rather than accolades.

As both Simard and Gasteyer continue to impact the theatre scene, fans can purchase tickets for “Schmigadoon!” now available for performances extending through January 3, 2027. Additionally, the show is set to embark on a North American tour starting in September 2027, promising to bring the charm and whimsicality of Schmigadoon to audiences beyond Broadway.