SHUCKED is exactly what the world needs right now.
If you’re unfamiliar, “Shucked” is the new show that’s been nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And it’s about corn. No, really. But it’s also an original love story, with all the beats of a great fable - and features some of the best-written one-liner jokes I’ve ever heard. It’s so funny. Robert D. Horn, who wrote the book, happened to come by the theatre after the show while we were waiting for the cast to come out. He should be very proud of this piece. As should songwriters Shane McAnnally (who I loved on the NBC show “Songland”) and Brandy Clark. The show features fun and inventive choreography by Sarah O’gleby. And the direction by Jack O’Brien ensures that all of the jokes land and the story touches.
I was in the front row, so I was nearly distraction-free as I watched these performers play with one another on stage. While relentlessly engaged in their performances, you could tell that this cast is having a blast. And why wouldn’t they be? The show is hilarious and heartwarming, and the audience reactions are lovely. Alex Newell, who is nominated for a Tony for their role as “Lulu,” gets a standing ovation every night for their big number, “Independently Owned” - and this performance was no exception. But Andrew Durand nearly got one for his soaring rendition of “Somebody Will,” too.
Durand plays “Beau” opposite Caroline Innerbichler’s “Maizy,” our two main characters surrounded by the aforementioned Lulu as well as Kevin Cahoon (also nominated for a Tony) as Beau’s brother “Peanut.” As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to the villain of the story, “Gordy,” played by John Behlmann. And I won’t ruin the story, but the storytellers (Grey Henson and Ashley D. Kelly) keep things moving throughout.
I heard someone say they were avoiding the show because they “never liked Hee-Haw.” That’s not what this show is at all. In fact, I think that person will eat their words if they ever do decide to see a professional production of “Shucked.” It’s gonna have a long shelf life and a lot of legs; it should. It’s the kind of gut-bustlingly funny but touching piece of theatre that I like to think can heal the world.
SHUCKED is running at the Nederlander Theatre on 41st Street on Broadway. Tickets and more information can be found here.