The touring production of Shucked the Musical brought a fresh burst of humor, heart, and toe-tapping tunes to the Wharton Center in East Lansing, delivering a night of theater that audiences won’t soon forget. With its unapologetically corny sense of humor, outstanding performances, and a feel-good story, Shucked proves that laughter truly is the best medicine.
The Story
Set in the fictional Cobb County, a small rural town surrounded by endless cornfields, the plot begins with a crisis: the town’s lifeblood, its corn, has inexplicably started dying. With their livelihoods at stake, the townsfolk turn to the plucky and optimistic Maizy, played by Danielle Wade, for a solution. Maizy ventures to the big city to find help, but her journey brings her into contact with Gordy (Quinn VanAntwerp), a slick con man who sees an opportunity to exploit Cobb County for his own gain.
Back home, Maizy’s fiancé Beau (Jake Odmark) struggles with feelings of betrayal and insecurity as he watches her take the reins. The tension between the town’s traditions and the looming threats of change keeps the stakes high while leaving plenty of room for hilarity. Throughout, the musical’s whimsical Storytellers (Tyler Joseph Ellis and Maya Lagerstam) break the fourth wall, guiding the audience with a mix of commentary, playful jabs, and infectious energy.
The Cast
Danielle Wade’s performance as Maizy was a standout. Her warm, clear voice brought heart to songs like her introspective solo numbers, and her comedic timing added layers to Maizy’s character. As Gordy, Quinn VanAntwerp balanced his sleazy charm with just enough vulnerability to make his arc believable. Meanwhile, Jake Odmark as Beau was earnest and endearing, particularly in his heartfelt moments of self-doubt. His chemistry with Wade gave the show a strong emotional core.
The Storytellers, played by Tyler Joseph Ellis and Maya Lagerstam, were comedic gold. Their witty asides and quirky delivery elevated the humor, making them the audience’s clever companions throughout the journey. These roles could easily overshadow the rest of the cast in the hands of less-skilled performers, but Ellis and Lagerstam struck the perfect balance between humor and narrative cohesion.
The Humor
The real star of Shucked is its humor. The script is packed with rapid-fire puns, wordplay, and delightfully absurd jokes that range from groan-worthy to laugh-out-loud funny. There’s a self-awareness to the comedy that makes it endearing; the show leans fully into its silliness, inviting the audience to do the same. The Storytellers, in particular, delivered some of the sharpest lines, often breaking the fourth wall to poke fun at the story itself.
The Music
The score, composed by Grammy-winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, is a perfect blend of country charm and Broadway polish. The songs are catchy and emotional, with clever lyrics that enhance the story’s humor and heart. Standout numbers included Maizy’s heartfelt ballads, Gordy’s flashy solo moments, and the ensemble pieces that captured the spirit of Cobb County. Some numbers that stood out to me included “Somebody Will”, the heartfelt ballad sang by the heartbroken Beau, and the introductory song, “Corn” which features the entire cast in the number.
The Production
The set design was as charming as the story, with clever staging that brought Cobb County and its sprawling cornfields to life. The bright, cheerful costumes and lively choreography added to the production’s energy, immersing the audience in the show’s whimsical world.
Final Thoughts
Shucked is a musical that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. Its humor is lighthearted yet razor-sharp, its performances heartfelt and genuine, and its story a celebration of community and resilience. The show’s corniness (pun absolutely intended) is its greatest strength, as it allows audiences to laugh, connect, and leave with a smile on their faces.
Whether you’re a fan of musicals, comedy, or just in need of a good laugh, Shucked at the Wharton Center is an absolute must-see. With a cast that delivers both humor and heart and a production that embraces the magic of live theater, it’s the kind of show that stays with you long after the final curtain call. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this corny and delightful adventure!
Shucked continues at Wharton Center through Sunday January 26th. Ticket can be obtained online at www.whartoncenter.com
