Review: Shucked is A-Maize-Ing
Shucked is the best show about corn you never knew you needed. Directed by Jack O’Brien, the musical is narrated by Storyteller 1 (Maya Lagerstam) and Storyteller 2 (Tyler Joseph Ellis) as they tell the story of Cob County and its dying corn. Desperate to save her home’s most important resource, our heroine Maizy (Danielle Wade) does what no one else dares - leaves Cob County in search of help, much to the dismay of her fiancé Beau (Jake Odmark) and cousin Lulu (Miki Abraham).
Wade is darling as the spunky Maizy sets out on her own for the first time. While Maizy’s songs don’t offer Wade much opportunity to show off her vocal range, Wade makes sure numbers like “Walls,” “Woman of the World,” and “Maybe Love” are full of the charm, hope, and promise we have come to expect from our musical theater heroines.
Jake Odmark as Beau and Danielle Wade as Maizy in The North American Tour of Shucked
Her can-do determination and charming naïveté leads her to the big wide world of Tampa, Florida, where she meets con man Gordy (Quinn VanAntwerp). Convinced he is a revered doctor of corn (after seeing his corn removal ad on a podiatry billboard) she brings him back to Cob County, convinced he will be able to work a miracle. VanAntwerp brings all the sleaziness needed to play the smooth-talking grifter, and his chemistry with Abraham in their number “I Do” is red-hot.
Quinn VanAntwerp as Gordy and Miki Abraham as Lulu in The North American Tour of Shucked
Maizy may be a woman of the world, but her loved ones back home are quite content with their small town life. Odmark is adorable as the town hunk Beau, and some parts of his number “OK” are just as dreamy as his character. While he has moments of Luke Combs throatiness in this country rock ballad, his notes on the lower and higher end of the spectrum leave something to be desired. But those notes right in the middle? Chef’s kiss perfection.
Mike Nappi as Peanut in The North American Tour of Shucked
When coupled with the lovable idiot that is his brother Peanut (Mike Nappi), the comedic effect is unmatched. Nappi brings an element of surprise to the role - you never know what he’s going to say, but you are guaranteed a laugh, thanks to book writer Robert Horn. Peanut and Lulu are the best parts of the show with unexpected bits of wisdom laced with enough sass and attitude to power the room.
Besides being the funniest one in the room, Abraham’s vocals are technically exquisite. Their control and tone are effortlessly flawless, and their number “Independently Owned” is, unsurprisingly, the production’s shining showstopper. Loud, proud, and bold, the song is a masterclass in discussing hard-fought independence without the help of a man, and Abraham had some big shoes to fill for this Tony Award-winning role. Fortunately, they fit pretty damn well.
As the production moves along, Lagerstam and Ellis interject bits of narration and content. While a narrator isn’t typically a riveting role, these two offer comedic jests (and lots and lots of dad jokes) throughout the production that not only speak to the show, but offer subtle and not so subtle jabs at our current pop culture and social climate.
Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1 and Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller 2 in The North American Tour of Shucked
Unfortunately, there’s not much to the visual and physical aspects of the production. Most of the songs are sung in a soliloquy style, and while the set is undeniably effective (and admittedly pretty cool with its wilting corn) there are not many opportunities for choreographer Sarah O’Gleby to show off her impressive resume. However, group number “Best Man Wins” is a standout moment as the men drunkenly execute some well-timed tricks and barrel-ography.
The production also features music and lyrics from Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, scenic design from Scott Pask, costume design from Tilly Grimes, lighting design from Japhy Weideman, sound design from John Shivers, and wig design from Mia Neal.
Shucked is not recommended for children under 10 years old. Parental discretion is advised. Shucked runs at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, May 9, 2025.
Additional production photos can be found below. All photo credit to Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
