Theater Review: Shucked

Awwww Shucks!

The Broadway musical Shucked is currently on its inaugural national tour and making a corn fed stop at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, through May 11, delighting audiences with its charming and corny tale. (Perhaps corny is an understatement.)

This original musical comedy is unlike anything audience members have seen before. Stalk about funny! The plot unfolds in the quaint town of Cobb County, which is facing disaster when its treasured corn crops mysteriously fail. The story follows Maizy (Danielle Wade), a determined young woman who has never left home but finds herself leaving her fiancé and venturing out of town for the first time in her life. She, alongside her witty cousin Lulu (Cecily Dionne Davis was in for regular Miki Abraham).

On her journey, Maizy encounters Gordy (Quinn Vanantwerp), a slick-talking outsider who claims he can save Cobb County. However, Gordy may have an ear-terior motive. The precious stones of Cobb County! Hijinks ensue, and we don’t know what is to become of Cobb County. Cob-medy at its finest, the ensemble is full of talent.

Storyteller #1 (Maya Lagerstam) and Storyteller #2 (Tyler Joseph Ellis) are outstanding in their field. Cleverock had the opportunity to speak with these talented “storytellers.” The duo leads the audience on this adventure and will steal their shucking hearts.

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Written by Robert Horn (almost corny) and skillfully directed by Jack O’Brien, this musical is full of original songs and countless corny jokes. The music was written by acclaimed songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, both prominent behind-the-scenes hitmakers in Nashville with extensive writing credits for top artists.

Unlike jukebox musicals that rely on familiar hits, every note and lyric in Shucked is refreshingly original, crafted specifically for this one-of-a-kind show. Audiences are treated to catchy numbers such as “Corn,” a humorous anthem that establishes the show’s tone, and the heartfelt “Maybe Love,” which resonates deeply with the crowd.

Other audience favorites include the exuberant “Best Man Wins” and the amusing “Independently Owned,” both of which showcase the musical’s broad appeal and comedic balance. The experience is amplified by a talented live band, whose energetic performances provide an authentic and engaging soundtrack to the show. The music of this show is ALMOST out-shucked by the comedy. It would stand alone as an enjoyable comedy even if not one kernel was sung. However, the songs are so funny and so catchy that audience members should lend an ear to this music!

The set design, masterminded by Scott Pask, has been thoughtfully adapted from its original two-story Broadway version into a versatile single-story set suitable for the touring production. It is both corny and breathtaking. Despite this scaled-down approach, the stage remains dynamic, effortlessly capturing the rural charm and simplicity of Cobb County. The thoughtful minimalism does not diminish the impact of the scenes; instead, it seamlessly integrates into the storytelling, enhancing the audience’s immersive experience without distraction. The subtle yet effective transitions ensure the set complements rather than competes with the vibrant characters and narrative. This one really husks all others!

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At first glance, a musical centered around corn might sound, quite literally, “corny,” but Shucked leverages its seemingly quirky theme into comedic brilliance. The narrative taps deeply into a sense of authentic Americana, connecting with audiences through both humor and heartfelt moments. Corn-edy permeates not only the dialogue but also the clever, often hilarious song lyrics. This playful approach transforms what could have been an overly simplistic concept into a rich and genuinely funny theatrical experience that resonates widely.

Shucked offers a delightful combination of original music, corny storytelling, and captivating performances that keep audiences thoroughly entertained from the pop to the final bows.

With outstanding performances from the talented cast, theatergoers in Cleveland can rest assured that their visit to Playhouse Square for Shucked will deliver a delightful evening of theater, featuring abundant laughs, charming melodies, and an unforgettable experience.

Lend an ear to this show. There’s no kernel of doubt—it’s outstanding.