Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California opened its new show Shucked August 20th. The book was written by the incomparable Robert Horn; Music & Lyrics were created by Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally. With many nominations since its Broadway debut, it received nine of them at the 76th Tony Awards.
It is interesting to see a Broadway show I knew nothing about. It was a most surprising and entertaining evening. The show is hilarious, the audience laughing out loud throughout. It’s basic plot about the citizens of Cob County and their focus on their corn crop and not too concerned about the world outside. The underlying motives in this story are relationships, being honest with yourself and others, and listening to your heart.
The storytellers (Maya Lagerstam and Tyler Joseph Ellis) are part of the fun keeping the story moving along through song and illuminating explanation. Maizy (Danielle Wade) and Beau (Jake Odmark) are about to wed, when they discover that the corn is not doing very well. The need to find the cause and save their livelihood becomes a priority. In simplicity, the wedding cannot be performed while the corn is dying. In search for help, Maizy leaves Cob County and goes to Tampa where she meets Gordy (Quinn Vanantherp, from the Broadway cast), who calls himself a ‘corn doctor;’ but in reality – he is a con artist. By seeing a beautiful bracelet on Maizy’s hand, made with some valuable stones, he proclaims his love for her and asks her to marry him. From here the perplexity of the story takes off.
Maizy’s cousin, Lulu (Miki Abraham, also from the original Broadway cast), attempts to reveal his scheme but falls for him. She has a “heart to heart” with Maitzy, to find out what Gordy’s plans are. Grandpa (Erick Pinnick) contributes his wisdom into the solution as does Beau’s brother, Peanut (Mike Nappi) who got a lot of laughs with his ‘repetitive schtick.’
The vocals in the musical numbers are shimmering with energy, joy, and are easy to listen to. Maitzy was lovely, Lulu’s number ‘Independently Owned’ has always been a standout, Beau’s ‘OK’ shows vulnerability and longing. A bit out of the ordinary, too, is the country music vibe reflected in many of the numbers.
The rest of the wonderful ensemble members are Zakiya Baptiste, Cecily Dionne Davis, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jackson Goad, Erick Pinnick, Celeste Rose, Kyle Sherman, and Chani Wereley, who complete the exciting cast with their great voices. Dance captains; Carly Caviglia and Nick Raynor create movements that perfectly accompany the songs.
This charming show, vulnerable at times, with its sensibility and the comedic moments reaches the hearts of the audience. A lot of jokes and silliness are being told, which sometimes cut into the intimacy of everyone’s life and the punchlines are direct and extremely funny.
Under the direction of Jack O’Brian, Scott Pask created the scenic design. Lighting design is by Japhy Weidman, and the sound design is by John Shivers. The costumes were by Tilly Grimes, with the wig design by Mia Neal. The show is choreographed by Sarah O’Gleby, and the music supervision, orchestration and arrangements are done by Jason Howland.
The brilliantly put together ensemble is accompanied by music director Nick Williams, and the orchestra conductor/keyboard Nick Williams, as well as associate conductor/keyboard/guitar Jeff Theiss, guitarist Andy Poxon, drums/percussion Patrick Phalen IV and bass Mark Hogan.
With a short run, Shucked is recommended for ages 10+. It does contain adult themes, with some adult language and a harvest of corny innuendo. The show runs through September 7th at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA with the performances on Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm. The Pantages theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles. Shucked is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, including the intermission.
The tickets can be purchased by calling 888-729-4718 or go to TicketSales.com
There is street parking, as well as over a dozen independently managed parking lots located within two blocks of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre costing from $10-$40 (subject to change).