by Christopher De la Rosa
Tuesday night, the Bass Concert Hall hosted the Broadway musical comedy Shucked, a play that blends country music with a quirky, lighthearted storyline. Set in a small, fictional southern town, the play revolves around the town’s deep connection to corn. When the town’s corn crops mysteriously begin to fail, a local named Maizy, played by Danielle Wade, sets off to find a solution, leading to a series of humorous events and unlikely partnerships.
Shucked, from the book by Robert Horn, is known for its witty humor, packed with one-liners that had the crowd laughing from start to finish. Some of my favorites included: “I just passed a huge squirrel… which is odd because I don’t remember eating one,” “Brother, remember when we were kids, building sand castles with grandma—until grandpa told us to put her back in the urn,” and “I never understood why they are called chicken tenders until I let one caress my face.” I know I’ll be borrowing a few of these for laughs in the future! The show features catchy country tunes with music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, both award-winning country music artists, offering a playful take on themes of community, resilience, and tradition.
“Corn” is the show’s playful opening number, setting the stage with a lighthearted ode to corn and its importance to Cobb County. It’s catchy, tongue-in-cheek, and immediately establishes the musical’s humorous tone. “Somebody Will,” sung by Beau (played by Jake Odmark) and the ensemble, is an empowering anthem about determination and resilience, beautifully performed and full of emotional depth. It’s one of the more sincere numbers, showcasing Clark and McAnally’s knack for blending humor with heartfelt themes. Wade’s performance of “Maybe Love” was a standout, capturing the whimsical, tender side of budding romance.
A crowd favorite was “Independently Owned,” sung by Lulu, Maizy’s sassy cousin and best friend, played by Miki Abraham. This song was a huge hit, with many people praising it in the lobby during intermission. Another great number, “Friends,” is a duet between Maizy and Lulu, where their vocal chemistry shines through, creating an endearing moment that feels both genuine and entertaining. It makes audiences reconsider the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.”
The dance numbers were lively and filled with energy, incorporating fun props that kept the scenes visually engaging. There was so much happening on stage that I’d love to watch it a few more times just to catch everything I might have missed.
The choreography, skillfully crafted by Sarah O’Gleby, was as entertaining as it was dynamic, bringing each scene to life. Complementing the movement, Jason Howland—a 2023 Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee—handled the music supervision, direction, orchestrations, and arrangements with a sharp, cohesive style that tied the entire experience together beautifully.
Scott Pask’s scenic design was a standout, resembling the inside of an old barn, with rustic charm and clever visual elements that almost created an optical illusion. I was so intrigued by the setup that I wished I could step onto the stage to take a closer look.
Costume design by Tilly Grimes ensured the country folks looked “country” and the city folks looked “slick.” Lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by John Shivers, and wig design by Mia Neal added layers to the immersive experience. The production was brought to life by producers Mike Bosner and Jason Owen.
The standout song for me was sung by Lulu, played by Miki Abraham—the sassy cousin and best friend of Maizy. Titled “Independently Owned,” it was a huge crowd-pleaser, with people praising it in the lobby during intermission.
Actors Jake Odmark and Quinn VanAntwerp added strong performances to the cast, bringing a unique charm to their characters and enhancing the humor and energy of the show.
Praised for its unique concept, Shucked was nominated for several major theater awards in 2023, including the Tony Awards.
Details and tickets:
WHO: Texas Performing Arts presents Broadway in Austin
WHAT: SHUCKED
WHEN: Nov. 12-17, 2024
Tues – Thurs at 7:30 pm | Fri at 8 pm | Sat at 2 & 8 pm | Sun at 1 & 6:30 pm
WHERE: Bass Concert Hall | 2350 Robert Dedman Drive | Austin, TX 78712
TICKETS: Start at $30. Tickets are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com
More about Shucked:
Shucked features a “superb book” (New York Post) by Tony Award winner Robert Horn, a score filled with “earworm songs” (The Daily Beast) by Grammy Award winners, Tony Award nominees and Nashville music superstars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction with “an infectious spirit of glee and warmth” (Variety) by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien. Casting for the tour will be announced at a later date.
What do you get when you pair a semi-neurotic, New York comedy writer with two music superstars from Nashville? A hilarious and audacious farm-to-fable musical about the one thing Americans everywhere can’t get enough of: corn. Shucked is the new musical comedy that proves sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life. Shucked is turning musical theater on its ear and is offering a kernel of hope for our divided nation.
