‘Shucked’ pops with corny jokes, heartfelt sentiment | Broadway tour review
The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Shucked” is finally on tour in Orlando, and Attractions Magazine was invited to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to see what all the fuss is about.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
If you think “Shucked” might have something to do with corn based on the Broadway musical’s name, advertising, set design, dialogue, characters, and lyrics, then you’d be right! And let me tell you, if you like corny puns (and trust me, the pun is very much intended), then this is the show for you. Shucked goes beyond that, though, and between the near-constant laughs tells a story full of heart and warmth where you’re rooting for basically everyone to win.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
The story of “Shucked” is a classic one, but with some modern sensibilities. Separated from the world by an expansive cornfield, the little county of Cobb sees corn as not just produce, but a way of life. When mysterious circumstances cause the corn to wither, local girl Maizy leaves the confines of Cobb County to visit the big city for help. (That is Tampa, with a musical number very reminiscent of how “The Book of Mormon” discusses Orlando. What is it with Central Florida featuring so prominently in modern musicals?) What follows for Maizy is a journey of self discovery, growth, love, and enough one-liners to fill a commemorative popcorn bucket!
The cast of “Shucked” takes what could easily be two-dimensional characters and make most of them 3D with unexpected insights and heart. Standouts include Miki Abraham as the brassy cousin Lulu and Danielle Wade as Maizy (named, of course, after… her grandmother), who leads the show with her plucky can-do attitude and equal parts naïveté and folksy wisdom. Their duet, “Friends,” sweetly brings the two characters together and introduces another valuable two-woman duet to the musical theater songbook. Also of note are the dual storytellers, Tyler Joseph Ellis and Maya Lagerstam, who seamlessly dip in and out of the show, moving the story forward, offering quips, and occasionally being so excited they can’t help but jump in to be a part of the action.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Technically speaking, the touring production of “Shucked” is striking with big, bold set design and sharp lighting. As always seems to be the way with opening night for musicals at Dr. Phillips Center, the music mix was a little off, occasionally burying the singers beneath the orchestration. And again, as always, this is a minor quibble that can hopefully be corrected as the run goes on.
It is worth mentioning that “Shucked” is a decidedly PG-13 rated Broadway show, with plenty of cursing (one song is literally named for a curse), innuendo, and some scatological humor. These blue moments do little to detract from the laugh-a-minute nature of the show and its inherent sweetness. We left the theater still laughing and quoting some of our favorite lines to each other, with my theater companion saying she wanted to get the soundtrack and see the show again immediately.
All told, in a touring Broadway series season here in Orlando dominated by jukebox musicals and 30-year-old shows, “Shucked” is a breath of fresh air. A new musical with modern sensibilities that definitely isn’t afraid of taking itself too seriously, “Shucked” is an absolute delight. If this is the direction and style that new musicals want to take, then I am here for it.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
“Shucked” is playing now through June 29, 2025, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., before continuing on its first national tour. For more information and to find a tour stop near you visit ShuckedMusical.com.
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