WASHINGTON, DC-You could see Shucked for the love story of Maisie and Beau in a plot with more twists and turns than a country road. Or maybe it appeals for the downhome guffaws and “corny” puns. What I liked best is that Shucked is a non-stop laugh-a-palooza set to a super catchy score by the brilliant composing duo of Grammy, CMA and 2023 Tony nominee Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally whose multi-Grammy awards and Number #1 hits have had him writing for and/or producing for Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney to name just a few of the country music superstars he’s written for. McAnally also wrote the mega-hit “Fancy Like” which very much captures the vibe in Shucked. It’s no small wonder the show earned nine Tony Award nominations!
Described in the show as “farm to fable”, Cobb County could be any farm town, USA. Maisie is a corn-fed cutie whose love story with the strapping farmer Beau is, let’s just say it’s complicated. The corn is dying, and the townsfolk don’t know why. Maizy volunteers to fly to the exotic city of Tampa, Florida and soon falls into the arms of a grifting chiropodist, Gordy, who cures “corns”. In her naivete, Maizy decides Gordy will be the savior to the farmers in Cobb County and convinces him to go back with her, much to Beau’s chagrin.
There are magical and dangerous rocks involved; Maizy’s liberated corn liquor-producing cousin Lulu, “I’m independently owned!”; Beau’s hayseed-hilarious brother, Peanut, a king in the land of non sequiturs; Tank the town meth head; two narrators to explain the silliness and provide endlessly giddy puns; Grandpa, a man of soul and wisdom, and a cast of thousands – not numerically but seemingly.
In true Vaudevillian style there are silly jokes and spoofs, goofy set ups and a raft of corn-centric tunes, all geared to a denim-filled, hee-haw hilarious show that will guarantee your funny bone will cheer on this terrific cast. Cue the clever choreography of Rockettes-inspired dancing corn cobs, a drunken bong party and 17 perfectly themed tunes. Let’s just say that Maizy gets her man, and we get a crazy-wonderful musical perfectly tuned to lift our spirits.
With Danielle Wade as Maizy; Jake Odmark as Beau; Miki Abraham as Lulu; Quinn Vanantwerpas Gordy; Mike Nappi as Peanut; Erick Pinnick as Grandpa; Kyle Sherman as Tank; Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller #2; Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller #1. Ensemble of Zakiya Baptiste, Cecily Dionne Davis, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jackson Goad, Erick Pinnick, Celeste Rose, Kyle Sherman and Chani Wereley.
Book by Robert Horn; Directed by Jack O’Brien; Music Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jason Howland; Scenic Design by Scott Pask; Choreography by Sarah O’Gleby; Costume Design by Tilly Grimes; Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman; Sound Design by John Shivers and Wig Design by Mia Neal.
Highly recommended for rib-tickling hilarity!
Through March 2nd at Broadway at the National Theatre, and if you miss it there it comes to the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore April 1st through April 6th. For tickets and information at the National Theatre, DC call the box office at 877-302-2929 or visit www.ShuckedMusical.com.
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