‘Shucked’ Show Review: A Hilariously Punny and Heart-Warming Slice of Americana

Last night, Atlanta audiences were treated to an ear-resistible serving of musical comedy as the Tony Award-winning sensation Shucked made its Atlanta premiere at the Fox Theatre. This farm-to-fable musical comedy had the opening night crowd rolling with laughter while simultaneously tugging at heartstrings with its surprisingly poignant message about community and connection.

As someone who’s seen her fair share of Broadway productions, I can confidently say this corny (pun absolutely intended) musical is one of the freshest, funniest shows to hit the road in recent memory.

What Is Shucked About?

Shucked tells the story of the fictional Cobb County (not to be confused with our actual Georgia county, which yours truly lives in), a secluded small town where corn isn’t just a crop – it’s a way of life. When the town’s precious corn begins to mysteriously wither away, our heroine, Maizy, takes the brave step of venturing beyond the town’s walls to find help. Her journey leads her to Tampa, Florida, where she encounters Gordy, a fast-talking “corn doctor” (actually a podiatrist) with questionable intentions. What follows is a hilariously heartfelt tale about love, community, and the walls we build around ourselves.

The Music and Performances

The score by Grammy Award-winning Nashville songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally is a perfect blend of country music sensibilities and Broadway showmanship. From rousing ensemble numbers like the opening “Corn” to more reflective ballads, the music drives the story forward while showcasing the impressive vocal talents of the cast.

Danielle Wade shines as our determined protagonist, Maizy, bringing both humor and heart to the role. Her chemistry with Jake Odmark’s Beau feels authentic and sweet. Miki Abraham is an absolute standout as Maizy’s cousin Lulu, delivering some of the show’s sharpest one-liners with impeccable timing. Quinn VanAntwerp brings the right amount of slick charm to Gordy, while Mike Nappi’s delightfully dim-witted Peanut provides consistent comic relief.

And, the narration by Nick Raynor and Maya Lagerstam as the Storytellers guides us through this cornucopia of comedy with engaging energy. The entire ensemble works together seamlessly, creating a palpable sense of genuine community. 

The History of Shucked

Shucked has traveled a long road to reach Atlanta. The show was in development for an impressive ten years before finally making its Broadway debut. It opened at the Nederlander Theatre on April 4, 2023, after beginning previews on March 8 of that yea.

The creative team behind this heartland hit includes book writer Robert Horn (Tony winner for Tootsie), director Jack O’Brien (three-time Tony winner), and the previously mentioned songwriting team of Clark and McAnally. Their collaborative efforts resulted in a show that received nine Tony Award nominations, with Alex Newell making history as one of the first openly non-binary performers to win a Tony (Best Featured Actor in a Musical).

Shucked in Atlanta

Shucked feels particularly at home in Georgia, where its country sensibilities and cornpone humor resonate deeply with audiences. (Not to mention that a large portion of local audiences will likely also live in Cobb County.)

Performances continue through Sunday, with shows Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. While the show is certainly family-friendly in spirit, parents should note it’s recommended for audiences 10 and older due to some adult themes and innuendos. You can grab your tickets here.

A personal note here – At a time when our world feels increasingly divided, “Shucked” offers a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity and the power of community. It suggests that sometimes tearing down walls, rather than building them, is the best way forward – a message delivered with such genuine warmth and uproarious humor that you hardly realize you’re being given vegetables with your dessert. Don’t miss this delightful, laugh-out-loud production during its limited engagement in Atlanta!