It feels only appropriate to describe “Shucked,” a musical that uses corn in its plot, puns, setting and songs, in terms of that versatile, starchy grain that it loves so much. There are about as many ways to describe “Shucked” as there are ways to use corn, but there’s one iteration of corn that feels more fitting than all the rest: popcorn. “Shucked” is light and puffy, it’s capable of being both salty and sweet and, while it’s a familiar taste, it remains an engaging, satisfying snack.
And of course, it’s unabashedly corny.
Tony-nominated “Shucked” opened on Broadway under the direction of Jack O-Brien in April 2023, closing less than a year later after 327 performances. “Shucked” began a 30-city nationwide tour in October of 2024 and is currently stationed at Playhouse Square through May 11.
Two narrators guide the audience through a story that begins in Cob County, a very small, secluded town that adores their corn as much as they rely on it for survival. Just as Maizy and Beau, two longtime sweethearts, prepare to get married, the town realizes that their corn is dying. Maizy sets out on a journey to find someone to help them with their corn, landing in Tampa and discovering a few things about herself along the way. There, she meets Gordy, a down-on-his-luck con man who promises to fix Cob County’s corn problem while harboring his own devious intentions. When Maizy brings Gordy back home, personalities clash, romances bud and corniness ensues.
“Shucked’s” book was written by Robert Horn and was said to be partially derived from an earlier project, “Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical.” The inspiration that “Shucked” pulled from “Hee Haw,” a country music and comedy variety show that first aired in 1969 and is based in fictional Kornfield Kounty, is glaringly obvious. “Shucked” is packed full of puns, double entendres, one-liners and innuendos. Humor is often derived from punching down at the dim-witted, god-fearing, drink-loving, small-town America characters who take everything far too literally (a grave mistake is burying grandma on the slope of a hill).
Were every idea for a joke a kernel, Horn took those kernels and tossed them right on the fire. The jokes in “Shucked” pop up so fast—almost unrelentingly so—that you’re bound to miss a few here or there. Not every kernel pops, and some come out burnt. But, the sheer volume of kernels means that you’re bound to like at least one piece. Such is true for the jokes of “Shucked,” where you’ll laugh at some jokes and roll your eyes at others.
The musical contains plenty of familiar tropes and even numbers that feel reminiscent of past popular musicals, including “The Music Man” and “The Book of Mormon.” While the formula feels familiar and the plot a bit puffy, there’s enough sweetness added to create a successful and endearing musical comedy.
The cast of the Broadway tour is nothing short of phenomenal. Danielle Wade as Maizy is a fun, energetic main character that you want to root for; she carries a southern twang as well as she carries a tune. Maizy’s fiancé, Beau, is portrayed by Jake Odmark, who plays the emotionally hindered character with coolness and lovable charm.
Quinn Vanantwerp as con man Gordy makes for an enticing, flawed character that you can’t help but like. Gordy’s repertoire with Lulu, Maizy’s whisky distiller cousin, is smart, quick and guaranteed to make you blush. On opening night, Lulu was played by the capable
Cecily Dionne Davis; her attitude, stage presence and belting were fantastic.
Other exceptional belting is delivered by Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1. She is joined by the equally talented Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller 2. Lagerstam and Ellis pack a punch with their energy and range of portrayals, and it is in their capable hands that the audience is led through the story of Cob County.
Mike Nappi as Peanut, Beau’s exceptionally slow but good-hearted brother, provides many laughs. While Peanut’s show-stopping (somewhat literally), spotlight interludes have much of the audience roaring, the shotgun, one-off nature of the random quips are cheap ways to earn a laugh.
With music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, two established country music artists, the musical contains plenty of fiddle-heavy, countrified songs that are toe-tapping earworms. Sarah O’Gleby’s complementing choreography is most effective during numbers that engage the ensemble, who can be commended for their palpable energy throughout the show. The stacking of boards on barrels to create walkways, tables and slides provides a variety of surfaces on which to deliver engaging choreography.
The characters are dressed exactly as you’d expect. Costume designer Tilly Grimes outfits the cast in all manner of patched jeans, boots, denim, overalls, ball caps and plaid. The foundation of Scott Pask’s scenic design is an askew old barn fitted with large wooden beams, old tools and, of course, corn stalks. Plenty of missing planks in the barn allow for a view of the surrounding cornfield and sky. The crops and sky are colorfully and skillfully lit by Japhy Weideman, which lends depth and dimension to the space. Together, the set and lighting design create a striking image.
You wouldn’t eat popcorn for dinner—it doesn’t have enough substance. However, if you’re looking for a fun, light and universally enjoyable snack, popcorn (and “Shucked”) won’t disappoint.
“Shucked” runs through May 11 at Playhouse Square,1501 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland. Visit playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000 for tickets, $30-$115.
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This article appears in Apr 10-23, 2025.