The Cast Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Shucked is billed as a musical fable and tells the story of the residents of Cobb County, a farm community shut off from the rest of the world. When their corn crop starts to die, Maizy ventures outside to find someone to help save it. She accidentally brings back a con man set on stealing valuable stones which are abundant in Cobb County. Romantic entanglements and other chaos quickly ensue. Shucked was well-received in its 2022 Broadway premiere and garnered nine Tony Award nominations.

The claim to fame and leading asset of Shucked is its hilarious book by Robert Horn. There are so many jokes that it's hard to process them quickly enough. From corn puns to "dad" jokes to witty one-liners, this show is hilarious. Even the groan-inducing jokes are admittedly smile-inducing. A number of lines even elicit applause, which is rare for a book musical. The actual story is fairly predictable and straightforward. It's also quite unbelievable on many levels (thus the "fable" label), but it has heart and never takes itself too seriously, so the audience easily forgives the unfathomable conceit. There's plenty of adult humor and curse words, so best to leave smaller children at home.

The score is by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. The songs are upbeat and tuneful, with pleasant melodic lines and well-suited lyrics. If none of the songs will become Broadway standards, there are also no duds among them. The standout numbers are the opening "Corn," "Walls," in which Maizy decides to leave the safe haven of Cobb County's corn wall to seek assistance, "Somebody Will," and "Independently Owned," an anthem of independence delivered by Maizy's cousin.

The national tour cast of Shucked a talented one. As Maizy, Danielle Wade shows off strong, homespun vocals and creates an endearing character to serve as the foundation for the show. Maya Lagerstam (Storyteller 1) and Cincinnatian Joe Moeller (Storyteller 2) are wonderful as the narrators who lead the audience through this corn maze of a tale. They both provide first-rate singing, amiable characters, and have many of the funniest lines. Nicky Bailey captures the dimwitted yet hardworking and ethical nature of Beau, Maizy's former fiancé, and he showcases strong vocals through several songs.

Quinn Vanantwerp is deliciously devilish as con man Gordy and he supplies physical comedic skills along with fine singing and acting. Mike Nappi, as Peanut, Beau's even more dimwitted brother, lovingly and humorously delivers many of the shows best/worst jokes. Miki Abraham skillfully embodies the hard-nosed individuality of Lulu, Maizy's cousin, and impresses while performing the show's best song, "Independently Owned," with gusto. The hardworking ensemble deserve kudos for their singing and dancing throughout.

Director Jack O'Brien (Hairspray) certainly knows his way around musical comedies and provides apt blocking, an appropriately light tone, and smooth transitions. The suitable yet unconventional choreography is by Sarah O'Gleby. Nick Williams leads a great-sounding five-piece band.

Scott Pask's scenic design is a unit set of the inside of a lopsided barn, along with many other small set pieces which convey the specific locale of the setting. The costumes by Tilly Grimes feature farm and rural outfits befitting the characters, along with a few very funny ones for when Maizy visits the urban jungle of Tampa. The lighting by Japhy Weideman is professionally rendered and well-integrated. The sound balance between singers and the band was off on opening night, leaving the lyrics for several group songs difficult to understand.

Some years ago, another mostly unknown show titled Something Rotten! was featured as part of Cincinnati's touring season. Though new to most theatregoers, it quickly became the talk of the town and the show is now performed regularly locally and across the country. It's likely that something similar will happen with Shucked. This very funny musical with a big heart is the crowd pleaser of crowd pleasers thanks to its many jokes, fine songs, and praiseworthy cast.

Shucked runs through February 22, 2026 ,at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on tour, visit shuckedmusical.com.