My Thoughts on "Shucked" - A Musical Comedy Filled with Corny Goodness

Kat Collins
Jun 30
3 min read

Updated: Aug 28

I had the opportunity to see "Shucked" on June 5th at The Straz Center in Tampa. This show was nothing short of incredible! Spoiler alert, so heads up!

A Brilliant Experience

First of all, the book and music? Absolutely brilliant! They are hilarious, witty, and exactly what you expect from a comedy. However, it’s not all laughs; there’s a lot of heart involved as well. The story is straightforward, but it truly shines thanks to the fantastic actors who breathe life into it. I also love how simple the staging is—it truly sparks your imagination and draws you into the performance.

The cast was relatively small, but every single actor nailed their role! Their comedic timing was impeccable, and their voices? Absolutely amazing! A few standout performances included Jake Odmark as Beau, who was perfect. His acting was beautiful, and his voice captivated me. This character was relatable but could easily have turned into a caricature if cast poorly. Jake played the role genuinely, and that authenticity really came through in his performance.

Then there’s Miki Abraham-Grayson. Wow! I’d pay full Ticketmaster prices just to see her in concert! Her voice is incredible, and she completely owns her role. Although she originated the role on Broadway, it’s hard to find many who can portray it as brilliantly as she did.

Let’s not forget Danielle Wade. I couldn’t take my eyes off her throughout the night! Her acting was impeccable, her mannerisms were hilarious, and her voice? Stunning. I’m totally obsessed! Honestly, she has the most beautiful tone I have ever heard live. The fact that she could maintain that tone while keeping the accent was remarkable!

Small Cast, Big Talent

The entire cast was utterly fantastic! If there were a Tony Award for touring casts, they would absolutely take it home. This says a lot considering the quality of shows I’ve seen this year. I’m truly grateful to have experienced this show with such an amazing cast. I would absolutely see it again!

Hilarious and Relatable Jokes

Now, let’s dive into some spoilers. The jokes about Tampa hit the mark! It was especially amusing to see some folks who had just moved to the area getting offended (we chatted with them before the show) while I, a born-and-raised, multi-generational Tampanian, was crying from laughing so hard. I'm sure I snorted a few times while trying to catch my breath. The humor was uproarious because it was so true! Although it takes place in Cobb County, those in the know will say it takes place in Methner (Seffner).

I don’t think I have ever laughed throughout an entire show before. This is a true testament to the writing, acting, and the talented musicians in the pit, who played a role in the hilarity.

Simple Yet Effective Staging

The staging for "Shucked" was super simple, and honestly, I'm a huge fan of that approach. I really love it when stage designers let the audience use their imagination a bit. The main set change was when we moved from Cobb County to Tampa, and it was done so well that it really felt like we were in a whole new place. The colors and lighting were on point, making that transition feel both big and real.

The Masterminds Behind the Show

I absolutely loved this musical! Robert Horn, known for hits like Tootsie, 13 The Musical, and Hercules, truly knocked it out of the park. The music, crafted by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, fit perfectly with the story. Let's not forget to mention that the choreography by Sarah O'Gleby looked like a blast to perform every night!

Final Thoughts

If you get the chance to see "Shucked," definitely go for it! However, keep in mind—maybe think twice about taking the kids along. There are numerous jokes that they likely won't grasp, and honestly, that might be a good thing!

Celebrating the Cast and Crew of "Shucked"

It's important to recognize the hard work and passion of the entire cast and crew, as their performances and dedication truly elevate the story. Whether you're a musical enthusiast or just looking for a good laugh, "Shucked" has something for everyone!

Have you seen Shucked?