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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →John Mulaney led a New York-themed musical revue in NBC’s SNL50: The Anniversary Special, broadcast February 16, 2025. Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared in a Hamilton passage, while Nathan Lane took part in a parody of The Lion King’s “Hakuna Matata.”
What was the SNL 50th Broadway sketch?
The segment, identified by Playbill as “New York 50th Musical,” was a Broadway-style revue celebrating New York across the five decades Saturday Night Live had been on air. Rather than tell one continuous story, it moved through periods in the city’s history with comic versions of familiar showtunes. The Guardian describes John Mulaney as leading the number, with Pete Davidson and David Spade also anchoring it.
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What did Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nathan Lane do?
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton appearance
Miranda appeared in a passage referencing Hamilton, the musical he created and in which he originated the title role. Playbill identifies him as Alexander Hamilton in the sketch’s character lineup. The moment was a reference within the revue, not an appearance by the stage production as a whole.
Nathan Lane’s Lion King parody
Lane appeared in a comic take on “Hakuna Matata,” the song associated with The Lion King. Playbill describes his sketch character as a Wall Street broker. Coverage presents the moment as a parody, not participation by the original musical’s production.
Which other musicals were referenced?
BroadwayWorld names Les Misérables, Hamilton and The Lion King among the musical references. The familiar songs and showtune styles helped the sketch jump between New York eras while keeping the focus on comedy and the city.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where does the segment fit in the anniversary special?
The revue was one segment of NBC’s SNL50: The Anniversary Special, which aired February 16, 2025. It brought together performers associated with Broadway and SNL for a musical look at New York; it was not a standalone documentary or a full staging of the referenced musicals.
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- 12 DVDs of the best episodes from Seasons 1-5. Plus a 28-Page Collector’s Book telling the story of the show and cast
- 33 episodes with the original groundbreaking, irreverent, hilarious cast. Plus rare footage of the cast, including screen tests and interviews
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