Shucked

 Shucked
Nederlander Theatre
April 7, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Shucked

Shucked, the new Broadway musical with book by Robert Horn and music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, is wonderfully full of surprises.  It is a musical with an original story, not based on previous source material.  This is something we rarely see on Broadway.  The story builds and develops in ways that you won’t expect.  It is about the healing powers of love wrapped in knee slapping corn husks.  It is crony and heartwarming, boisterous and tender, raunchy and virtuous.  It is truly unique, and just what we need right now.  

The townspeople of Corn County are preparing for a wedding.  Maizy (played by Caroline Innerbichler) is about to wed her life-long love and best friend, Beau (played by Andrew Durand), when a tragic occurrence stops them.  The corn crop, which surrounds and protects the town, begins to wither and die.  The town relies on the corn for survival.  Maizy steps up and decides to leave and get help.  Her cousin Lulu (played by Alex Newell) tries to talk her out of it.  No one has ever left Corn County before.  Beau orders her to stay.  Maizy defies him and ends up in Tampa, where she meets Gordy (played by John Behlmann), a shyster Podiatrist who calls himself “The Corn Doctor.”  Gordy finds out that the stones in the bracelet Maizy is wearing are valuable gems.  Maizy’s Grandpa (played by Dwayne Clark) made it for her from the stones under their house.  Gordy sees this as an opportunity to pay off his loan shark, so he manipulates Maizy to take him back to Corn County.  Gordy promises to solve the corn problem in order to steal the stones.  Luckily, not all the townsfolk are as trusting as Maizy. 

Caroline Innerbichler (center) & the Cast of Shucked
Photo courtesy of Shucked

Caroline Innerbichler captures your heart as Maizy.  She is gullible and determined.  Andrew Durand is stubborn and vulnerable as Beau.  Together these two skilled actors create a genuine relationship that twists and turns in every scene.  They croon and swoon, then croon some more… and their crooning is out of this world. 

Alex Newell as Lulu
Photo curtesy of Shucked

Alex Newell rocks the house as Lulu.  She delivers every joke with a punch and a wink.  In Act I she brings the audience to their feet with her solo “Independently Owned.”  “Friends,” her duet with Ms. Innerbichler in Act II, is powerful and touching.  Her chemistry with John Behlmann (Gordy) is sizzling.  Lulu meets her match in this fast talking conman.  Their timing is spot on.   

Kevin Cahoon plays Beau’s brother, Peanut.  He delivers one corny pun after another.  They usually come in threes, and are followed by a dry take to the audience that extends the laughter even further.  His character defines the town and its inhabitants through his timing, rhythm, and simplicity. 

Photo courtesy of Shucked

Director Jack O’Brien finds the right, subtle tone and easy timing that allows Mr. Horn’s raucous writing to land as it needs.  You wait for the next joke, knowing it will be better than the one you just heard… and it always is.  Sarah O’Gleby’s choreography is sharp, energetic, and lively.  It sets the pace, encapsulates the setting, and keeps the show moving.

There are two kinds of stories to tell.  The first is when a stranger comes to town, and the second is when a character leaves home.  Shucked combines both.  A character leaves home and brings a stranger back to town, who upsets the norm in order to find what everyone was needing all along.  Go see this show! 

Domenick Danza

Almost Famous

Almost Famous
Bernard B. Jacob Theatre
October 19, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Almost Famous

Cameron Crowe has adapted his movie Almost Famous into an edgy, poignant, and vibrant Broadway musical.  The characters are skillfully crafted, vulnerable, and daring.  The action is driven by Tom Kitt’s music and lyrics.  Sarah O’Gleby’s choreography enhances the action, defines the characters, and grounds the time period.  Director Jeremy Herrin pulls it all together, leaving the audience with a stunning and emotionally fulfilling ending.

Photo curtesy of Almost Famous

The year is 1973.  William Miller (played by Casey Likes) is an intelligent high school senior, being raised by an overprotective, single mother (played by Anika Larsen).  When his sister, Anita (played by Emily Schultheis) moves out, she leaves him a stack of vinyl records.  William gets lost in the music.  He becomes an expert and begins to write articles expressing his point of view.  He lands an assignment to write for a local rock magazine, which causes him to meet the members of the band Stillwater, and more importantly Penny Lane (played by Solea Pfeiffer).  When Rolling Stone Magazine contacts him about writing for them, they think he is an older, experienced journalist.  William jumps at their offer and proposes an in depth story on the rise of Stillwater.  Rolling Stone pays him to join their tour, setting him on a life changing adventure. 

Casey Likes & Solea Pfeiffer
Photo courtesy of Almost Famous

Casey Likes, who is making his Broadway debut, is perfectly cast as William.  His character is naive, brave, and likeable.  We eagerly follow his journey as he dives into the fast-paced world of rock and roll.  Solea Pfeiffer is wild and free as Penny Lane.  She shares a few genuinely tender moments with Mr. Likes that deepen the story and reveal her character’s many layers.  Her chemistry with Chris Wood, who plays Russell Hammond, the lead guitarist of Stillwater, is magnetic.  Mr. Wood is riveting in this dynamic and mysterious role.  These three actors portray multifaceted characters who have a lasting impact on one another.  Their relationships grow as the story progresses, keeping the audience fully involved and emotionally engaged.

There are also strong performances by Anika Larsen, Emily Schultheis, and Drew Gehling.  As William’s mother, Ms. Larsen creates a strong home base that continually calls to her son, reminding him of who he is.  This generates a strong and effective tension throughout the story.  Emily Schultheis’ character of Anita, William’s sister, gives him the inspiration that propels his journey.  She is honest and caring in this role.  Drew Gehling’s portrayal of Jeff, the lead singer of Stillwater, is full of bravado, instigating conflict between the band members.  This causes the darker side of their characters to be revealed. 

The entire cast is strikingly energetic.  They all develop distinct characters that illuminate the time period.  The fast pace is set at the top of the show, and everyone on stage works to keep the story moving forward at lightning speed.  

If you liked the original movie, you will love this show.  Almost Famous is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza