Review by Chris Heide

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

From the first moments inside Cob County, Shucked bursts to life as a joyful, corn-fed celebration of laughter, heart, and powerhouse vocals. This show is pure comedic gold and easily the funniest musical I have seen since The Book of Mormon. The one liners and zingers come so quickly and land so precisely that I found myself laughing until tears filled my eyes.

At the center of this perfectly husked chaos is Danielle Wade as Maizy. Wade is a revelation, a natural comedian with timing so impeccable that even the smallest glance or pause had the audience in stitches. She balances heart and humor effortlessly, giving Maizy both the charm and conviction needed to carry the story. Every choice she makes feels intentional, real, and joyously alive.

Jake Odmark as Beau delivers one of the most stunning vocal performances I have heard on a touring stage in years. His voice soars with effortless strength and emotional depth, rivaling the power and tone of Broadway’s Aaron Tveit. Odmark transforms what could be a purely comic role into something layered, vulnerable, and deeply musical. Every note he sings feels like it belongs on a cast album that you would play on repeat.

Then there is Miki Abraham as Lulu, who very nearly steals the entire show. Her vocals are a masterclass in control, resonance, and soul. Abraham channels shades of Whitney Houston in her timbre and tone, building each note with a radiant mix of confidence and grace. Her powerhouse belts, dazzling runs, and heartfelt delivery ignite the stage. Every time she sings, the energy in the theater shifts.

The narrators, Maya Lagerstam and Tyler Joseph Ellis, bring boundless charisma to their roles as Storyteller 1 and Storyteller 2. Their back and forth banter, self aware humor, and connection with the audience keep the momentum alive. They are the comedic glue that holds this whirlwind of wit and warmth together.

The production itself is an undeniable triumph. The book by Robert Horn is razor sharp and filled with the kind of wordplay that rewards a second viewing. The score by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally is a glorious blend of country and Broadway that feels both fresh and familiar. Every song is staged with care, every punchline lands, and the ensemble delivers with infectious energy.

Shucked is the rare kind of show that manages to make you laugh uncontrollably while also sneaking in moments of genuine heart. It is a Tony Award winning production in every sense of the phrase. The laughter, the music, the sincerity, and the sheer joy of live theater all collide here in a way that feels both timeless and new.

If you have the chance to see this cast on tour, do not hesitate. You will laugh until your sides hurt. You will be dazzled by the voices. And you will leave the theater grinning from ear to ear, still humming the songs and smiling at the memories long after the curtain falls.