Jennifer Simard, a seasoned Broadway performer and three-time Tony Award nominee, has embarked on a delightful journey back to the stage as Mildred Layton in the musical “Schmigadoon!” This recent role is particularly significant for Simard, as it marks a full-circle moment in her career, one that began long before she stepped into the spotlight at the Nederlander Theatre.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jennifer-simard-schmigadoon-100926-1a-4876b8c909434419bbd6233cf7edbf51.jpg)
Simard has been an admirer of “Schmigadoon!” since its inception as a television series. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she revealed that her connection to the musical extends back to her original audition for a role on the show. Although her friend, Ann Harada, successfully landed the part, Simard expresses satisfaction with how events unfolded. “Ann absolutely deserved to book it,” she stated, adding that she believes she is a better fit for the role of Mildred now that she has taken it on.
Mildred Layton is portrayed as a self-appointed moral authority within the whimsical town of Schmigadoon, zealously guarding its residents from anything she views as inappropriate. In her performance, Simard delivers one of the musical’s standout numbers, entitled “Tribulation.” This rapid-fire song, inspired by “Ya Got Trouble” from “The Music Man,” presents a significant challenge even to experienced performers like Simard. “It is a very hard song to sing,” she admits, sharing that her dresser had also mentioned how the difficulty never lessens.
In her new role, Simard has relied on practical advice from Gasteyer, who generously provided tips on navigating the challenges of an elaborate production. Despite their exchanges not focusing heavily on characterisation, the practicalities of performance — such as optimal bathroom breaks during the show’s pacing — turned out to be invaluable. Simard noted that Gasteyer responded enthusiastically when discussing the best moments for such necessities, illustrating the camaraderie present in this production.
Simard’s arrival in “Schmigadoon!” has sparked a sense of nostalgia and recognition, as many of her colleagues are familiar faces from her past. “I’ve worked with half this company,” she remarked, referencing her previous collaborations in productions like “Shrek the Musical,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mean Girls.” The ensemble cast forms a supportive community, allowing Simard to feel as though she is returning home.
A particularly heartwarming aspect of Simard’s journey is her reunion with fellow performers who share her roots in Manchester, New Hampshire. Alongside cast member Max Clayton and Kaleigh Cronin, currently on maternity leave, Simard reflects on how their shared experiences at the Palace Theatre instilled in them a love for musical theatre. “We’ve just been pinching ourselves at how fortunate we are that these kids from the Palace Theatre are in the same Broadway show together now,” she said.
Simard’s connection to “Schmigadoon!” is made even more meaningful by the musical’s nostalgic homage to Golden Age Broadway. While she anticipated enjoying the production, she did not expect to be as emotionally affected by its themes. Watching the performance, she feels transported back to her childhood, reliving the memories of when she first fell in love with musical theatre. “It has got heart and it’s honest,” she remarked, lauding the clever execution that avoids parody, making the show genuinely appealing to audiences.
As she seamlessly settles into her role, Simard has been welcomed warmly by both her colleagues and theatre enthusiasts alike. Emphasising her goal of maintaining the transition from Gasteyer as natural as possible, Simard conveys a mixture of pride and humility in stepping into the shoes of a beloved performer. “There’s only one Ana Gasteyer, and she set the bar extremely high,” she acknowledged, hoping she has upheld the excellence that audiences expect.
Tickets for “Schmigadoon!” are currently available, with Simard’s portrayal promising to be a highlight of the performance. As she embarks on this thrilling chapter of her career, the Broadway star is grateful for the opportunities and connections that have led her back to a place she truly feels at home.