Broadway In Chicago: Shucked Review
Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1 and Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller 2
Broadway in Chicago Presents SHUCKED Review - How Can I Make This As Corny As Possible?
TLDR: Shucked is part small town drama, a journey of self-growth, and an unconventional love story all wrapped up in the corniest script you will probably ever hear onstage. It’s a good fit for those that want a light hearted night out with adult friends and for those who didn’t get a chance to see the original Broadway show.
The Cast of The NorthThe Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED American Tour of SHUCKED
Broadway in Chicago’s Corn of The Matter
Corn, corn, corn. We are surrounded by corn in this small vaguely Southern but maybe Midwest, but definitely rural US town. The people who live here have based their whole lives around the stuff. Everybody has a farm of it. Everyone is invested in the crops. It’s how this town makes their living. Stalks and stalks of corn surround the stage and the kind folks of Cob County let us know there’s nothing but corn as far as the eye can see. No one has ever come in, and no one has ever left.
The main set piece we’re immediately greeted by is an industrial, worn, dusty barn. Outside the broken down walls, bright blue skies and sunshine peek through the cracks. The way this barn is crafted (with set design by Scott Pask), it feels like we’re enclosed and sheltered within this barn all the way up to the rafters completing the ceiling. It feels a little symbolic, perhaps of these sheltered, never left their hometown folks..
And so what happens when suddenly the corn is dying? We got trouble, right here in Cob County. Good natured Maizy (Danielle Wade) is on the case and sets her sights on the big city, Tampa!, to find help and save their small town.
Like A Farmer, Shucked is Outstanding in Its Field
If you loved that title^^ and inwardly groaned to yourself while smiling and chuckling, Shucked is going to be right up your alley. The dialogue and humor is where it’s at in this show. Each of the characters have their own brand of humor and the actors lean into them and milk the jokes like comedy pros.
Whiskey distiller and owner, Lulu played by Miki Abraham, comes out in a full denim jumpsuit, hair piled high into a faux hawk, giving the impression they are not to be trifled with. They are not afraid to speak their mind and punctuate their steadfastness with sassy one-liners
The audience members behind me almost cheered when Peanut, played by Mike Nappi, took center stage for the third time to deliver his slow blinking and well thought out bit of “Well I think…” while the rest of the cast waits for him to finish his comedic observations.
And the Storytellers 1 & 2 (Maya Lagerstam and Tyler Joseph Ellis) transform from mob bosses to old jewelry dealers all while giving us puns upon dad jokes as they narrate our fable.
Each of the actors make sure to deliver their lines with clarity so we don’t miss a single joke and also know when to hold for an extra beat to let the audience catch up.
Country Fans Will Love It
We’re taken deeper into the heartland of the United States by the music and accents of Shucked. Lulu and Maizy greet each other on Maizy’s wooden front porch when they need to have a heart to heart. “Cuuuuzzzzinn” they drawl at each other, that one word loaded with questions and accusations poking and prodding the other to admit they’re in love with their respective guys. We feel ready to yell out yee-haw and join the boys as they jump from barrel to barrel ready to get drunk and win their lady back in “Best Man Wins.”
The score leans into bluegrass country twangs on the guitar and washboard percussion that will transport you to a different place. Those who are country music fans will probably enjoy the music, but not to worry traditional musical fans. There’s enough energetic group dance numbers and heartfelt belting songs that will also satisfy musical theater lovers as well.
The After Party Thoughts
Not much was known about Shucked when it first debuted on Broadway. All the marketing was corn and puns, but it was nominated for lots of awards so I was disappointed I never got to see it on the great white way. But that just means I’m thrilled the tour has come to Chicago! Like you may have guessed, my favorite part was the puns. This show saw the bit, committed to it, and ran all the way with it. Pretty much every line is a one liner, a bit, or a pun and most of the time I was surprised by them all and genuinely was laughing the whole time.
The biggest qualm one might have with the show is that it’s not a super complicated or involved plot. We get the mystery of what’s happening to the corn, the usual four lead romance, and a shady outsider who might learn a life lesson or two. It almost leans into a typical storyline, but for me, what saved it from going too far into the stereotypical was the modern updates to each of the characters' stories.
All in all, come for the intrigue and stay for the jokes. For those that aren’t a fan of musicals, corny Dad jokes and innuendos, or are looking for a more serious or family friendly night out this one might not be for you. For those of you who look forward to groaning good-heartedly at jokes and puns and are looking for a frothier, light hearted night out with friends, Shucked would be a good fit for you.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Mike Nappi as Peanut
When
Now through January 19, 2025
Where
CIBC Theater
17 E. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60603
Runtime: 2hrs and 15minutes, including intermission
Tickets
$36+
Tickets can be purchased through the Broadway in Chicago website
Photos
Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The cast of Shucked
CAST
Miki Abraham (Lulu)
Maya Lagerstam (Storyteller 1)
Tyler Joseph Ellis (Storyteller 2)
Mike Nappi (Peanut)
Jake Odmark (Beau)
Quinn VaNantwerp (Gordy)
Danielle Wade (Maizy)
Zakiya Baptiste (Ensemble)
Mackenzie Bell (Swing)
Carly Caviglia (Swing)
Cecily Dionne Davis (Ensemble)
Ryan Fitzgerald (Ensemble)
Sean Casey Flanagan (Swing)
Jackson Goad (Ensemble)
Erick Pinnick (Grandpa, Ensemble)
Nick Raynor (Swing)
Celeste Rose (Ensemble)
Kyle Sherman (Ensemble)
Chani Wereley (Ensemble)
CREATIVE
Robert Horn (Book)
Brandy Clark (Music & Lyrics)
Shane McAnally (Music & Lyrics)
Jack O’Brien (Director)
Sarah O’Gleby (Choreographer)
Jason Howland (Music Supervision, Orchestrations, and Arrangements)
Scott Pask (Scenic Designer)
Tilly Grimes (Costume Designer)
Japhy Weideman (Lighting Designer)
John Shivers (Sound Designer)
Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Designer)
C12 Casting, Stephen Kopel, CSA (Casting)
RCI Theatricals (General Management)
Juniper Street Productions, Inc. (Production Management)