Theater Review: 'Shucked' Tour at The Bushnell

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Bushnell is host to the tour of “Schucked,” the 2022 Tony Award-winning musical comedy, with a heap of emphasis on the comedy. This charming show, with a book by Robert Horn and a wonderful mix of music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, lives up to the buzz that surrounded its Broadway run.

The tour is directed by Jack O’Brien and the touring cast does a fabulous job at telling this fun story, for the musical is more than a long list of one-liners strung together. The corny jokes all land roundly, some of which are decidedly bawdy. There are plenty of “laugh out loud" moments, as well as several scenes that are extra fun because of rapid-fire lines. It is all very entertaining.

One reviewer noted that “Shucked” was partially derived from one of Horn's earlier projects, 2015's “Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical,” explaining some of the parallels that those of a certain age might make.

The choreography by Sarah O’Gleby rises up many of the musical numbers, with some signature hand dancing with bright yellow corn cobs in the opening number predictably titled “Corn.”

Danielle Wade, who played Cady in the first national tour of “Mean Girls,” stars as the blonde and fresh-faced Maizy and makes us feel as she strongly sings “Woman of the World” and “Maybe Love.”

Miki Abraham, a nonbinary performer, makes the role of Maizy’s no-nonsense cousin Lulu, (“Independently Owned”) their own. Abraham was part of the original Broadway cast of “Shucked,” understudying the Tony-winning Alex Newell, and has toured with “Once on this Island” and “Beautiful.”

Nick Bailey, who “comes from ‘simple folks’ in the hollers of Appalachia, plays Beau with the perfect mix of charm, simplicity and good looks. Bailey toured with “Waitress” and appeared at Goodspeed in “A Sign of the Times.”

At the (rescheduled due to inclement weather disrupting the production’s travel) press night, the role of Storyteller 1 was played by the adorable ensemble member Jaden Dominique. The talented actor, who was part of the 50th anniversary tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” also understudies the role of Lulu for the tour. Swing Carly Caviglia got to step into the ensemble in place of Dominique. Maya Lagerstam normally plays the role of Storyteller 1.

Joe Moeller, who was part of the original Broadway cast of “& Juliet,” is a delight in the role of Storyteller 2. He is the storyteller who announces at the beginning of “Best Man Wins” that he knows all of the words and will be part of this dance number featuring all of the guys; this number was one of my favorites.

Quinn Vanantwerp portrays the podiatrist (who calls himself a "corn doctor") and the not very good conman Gordy. The actor did 3000 performances as Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” and was part of the challenging “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Ensemble member Elijah Caldwell steps up to play Grandpa and Kyle Sherman moves into the role of Tank in the second act.

Mike Nappi has the fun role of Beau’s brother, the slightly dim Peanut. Nappi is a composer/playwright who is developing two musicals, “The World’s Cassette Library” and “Take Me Back to Yellowstone.”

The scenic design by Scott Pask features a huge construction of wood suggesting a barn in Cob County that allows for incredible backlighting designed by Japhy Weideman. There are also rows of corn stalks that slide in and out, wooden barrels and planks, and other farm-themed set pieces. The lighting design often utilizes sunny yellow, as well as a purple hue on a shiny prop. Sound design by John Shivers works well, although I found some of the first act a bit too loud.

The “Shucked” orchestra, conducted by Music Director Nick Williams on keyboard, may be small, but enhanced by electronic music, it sounded very full. I appreciated the guitar playing of Andy Foxon and sometimes Jeff Theiss, the associated conductor. Music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements are the work of Jason Howland.

Costumes are cheerfully designed by Tilly Grimes, setting the down-home characters in patched jeans in their isolated home turf. Wigs by Mia Neal top off many of the outfits well. My personal favorite costume was the mint green suit worn by Gordy, the fabric falling perfectly on the actor and defining his character.

The president and CEO of the Bushnell, David R. Fay writes: “‘Shucked’ may be set in a cornfield, but its themes of connection, family and unity are universal.” The cute ending checks all of these boxes.

“Shucked” is definitely worth the trip to Hartford. There is a bit of strong language and those bawdy jokes. “The show is recommended for ages 10+ and contains adult themes, moments of adult language and a harvest of corny innuendo.” Performances continue at The Bushnell in Hartford through March 1. Shucked | The Bushnell