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

Tootsie

Tootsie

Marquis Theatre

April 19, 2019

Photo courtesy of Tootsie

Out of all the movies being made into Broadway musicals lately, I was most excited about seeing Tootsie.  There is so much possibility in the original movie for musical interpretation, and the creative team took every one of these potential jumping off point to the max.  David Yazbek’s score is unique and character driven.  His lyrics start off as sharp and funny, then dive deep into the soul of the characters.  The book, written by Robert Horn, is witty and intelligent.  They set the show in present day and use every possible opportunity for social commentary.  Scott Ellis’ direction is spot on, and yes, Santino Fontana is beyond fabulous in the title role.

Photo courtesy of Tootsie

Actor, Michael Dorsey (played by Santino Fontana) cannot get a job in New York City theatre.  His arrogance has generated more professional enemies than work connections.  His best friend and roommate, Jeff Slater (played by Andy Grotelueschen), reminds him on his 40^th birthday of the goals he has yet to achieve.  After coaching his ex-girlfriend, Sandy Lester (played by Sarah Stiles), for an audition of a new musical, Juliet’s Curse, a re-telling of Rome & Juliet, he decides he might stand a chance at getting an acting job if he auditions as someone else.  He creates an alter-ego, Dorothy Michaels, and lands the role of the nurse.  He channels his talent, ego, and ingenuity through his new persona and achieves the professional success he always knew he could, yet his personal life hits a few bumps.  He falls in love with his co-star, Julie Nichols (played by Lilli Cooper), while another cast member, heart throb Max Van Horn (played by John Behlmann), becomes enamored with him.  Michael finds himself trapped under a pile of lies and deceit.  He turns to the wisdom of his alter-ego for a solution.  

The cast of Tootsie
Photo courtesy of Tootsie

You can’t take your eyes off Santino Fontana.  He flips from Michael to Dorothy in an instant.  His vocal characterization is brilliantly matched by his unqualified physicalization, which combine to create a robust portrayal.  The determination of his character drives the action of the show.  The comic timing between him and Andy Grotelueschen is impeccable.  This establishes and builds their relationship.  Sandy Stiles is dynamite, delivering laughs and genuine neurotic moments.  Lilli Cooper delivers song after song of sincere perfection. 

Tootsie is playing at the Marquis Theatre.  It is sure to be a big hit.  Get your tickets right away and prepare for a fun night at the theatre.

Domenick Danza

Significant Other

Significant Other

Booth Theatre

February 19, 2017

Photo courtesy of Significant Other

Joshua Harmon’s Significant Other is witty, charming and packs a surprising punch.  Directed by Trip Cullman, the Broadway production flows seamlessly through the obsessions and experiences of the main character and his close circle of friends.  The cast is tightly connected by honest relationships and crisp timing that keeps the audience entertained and engaged on the journey.

Jordan (played by Gideon Glick) is happy when his friend Kiki (played by Sas Goldberg) gets married.  She sets up their other close friend Vanessa (played by Rebecca Naomi Jones) at her wedding, and then she gets engaged.  Jordan’s friends continue to find time for him to work through his search for love and attraction with a workmate (played by John Behlmann).  It is when his BFF Laura (played by Lindsay Mendez) finds her soulmate, that Jordan realizes he is alone.  Only his grandmother (played by Barbara Barrie) gives him the advice that makes sense.

Photo courtesy of Significant Other

Gideon Glick is charming and quirky as Jordan.  His portrayal is just neurotic enough to be likable and funny… and identifiable.  He builds very different relationship with the three female friend characters.  Sas Goldberg is boisterous as Kiki.  Rebecca Naomi Jones is edgy as Vanessa.  Lindsay Mendez is heartwarming as Laura, the character who Jordan is closest with.  Barbara Barrie anchors the action of the play as Jordan’s grandmother.  Her timing is impeccable.  Her presence is grounded and strong.  The relationship she develops with Mr. Glick is tender, caring, and honest.

Barbara Barrie & Gideon Glick
Photo courtesy of Significant Other

Significant Other explores the realizations that occur when the lives of close friends change around us, leaving us feeling isolated and left out.  Although the characters are in their late twenties, there are identifiable realities in the play that ring true for all.

Domenick Danza