Whenever John Mulaney returns to Saturday Night LiveOpens in a new tab, magic occurs. Typically in the form of his musical sketches. First there was “Diner LobsterOpens in a new tab,” a Les Miserables-esque ode to the under-appreciated sea creature. “Bodega BathroomOpens in a new tab” followed, and then “Airport SushiOpens in a new tab.” For his latest hosting gig, Mulaney came equipped with yet another musical celebration: “New York MusicalOpens in a new tab.” In it, he plays a struggling souvenir shop owner. Chris Redd and Pete Davidson play customers looking for mementos. Davidson wants to buy a pair of “unwashed” I ❤ NY underwear. And this unwise decision leads to a whole musical medley.
This whole thing is a treasure trove for musical theater fans. The first song—performed by Kenan Thompson as a minion—parodies “One” from A Chorus Line. Kate McKinnon shows up as a Bubba Gump Shrimp mascot who sings a “Send in the Clowns” riff from A Little Night Music. There’s an appearance from the “Diddler on the Roof,” and then Maya Rudolph shows up as Lady Liberty. She sings a play on “I’m Still Here” from Follies.
Next, a woman from Westchester with “visible COVID” appears to sing a parody of “Big Spender” from Sweet Charity. And then the whole thing wraps up with a rousing play on “One Day More” from Les Miserables, bringing it full circle.
NBC
It’s sort of the perfect John Mulaney sketch. A little bit silly, a little bit surreal, and very nerdy. It’s also a lovely tribute to the city of New York. A city that’s been through a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s New York!” is the sentiment the skit ends with. And it’ll always be New York. “I’m here,” Lady Liberty sings. She’ll continue to be.
We love whenever John MulaneyOpens in a new tab returns to Saturday Night Live. He’s got a brightness that makes us feel like things will be alright. We hope he keeps these musical sketches coming forever.
Featured Image: NBC
