Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...On stage, the touring cast is a total blast, frankly. I've been following the under-appreciated Wade's career a bit (she was terrific in both "Summer Stock" at Goodspeed in Connecticut and in "The Music Man" in Canada's Stratford) and I'd say she's more than ready for a big Broadway lead, being the kind of vocalist who has such technical proficiency, she can then entertain herself by shading what in this case is a fun, country-fueled score from Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The script is flush with musical theater references - "The Music Man," "Brigadoon," "Oklahoma!" and a hint of the Wizard from "The Wizard of Oz" - among them. Despite the onslaught of winking parody/homage, "Shucked" remains the rarest of the rare in terms of new musicals: A show that is actually new, rather than an adaptation of existing material or a retread revival."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...The Broadway tour of Shucked by Robert Horn will be cracking up audiences in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre through January 19th before it continues on its national tour. If you look too closely this corny little musical starts to wilt with an aimless protagonist and too many ballads for a lighthearted comedy, but if you just relax into the experience, it’s sweet as, well, corn."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...In the New Musical "Shucked," it is suggested that one of the most brilliant inspirations to emerge from God's mind wasn't the creation of humanity but rather the cultivation of corn. This farm-to-fable narrative about a humble yet remarkable plant, with its golden kernels and nourishing qualities, holds a special place for those living in a fictional place that's somewhere north to south and south to north, called Cob County."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...We have all heard the expression, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, telling us that until we see what’s inside, we shouldn’t judge! The same could be said about plays. When I heard there was a musical called “shucked”, I thought it might just be like the old TV show, “Hee-Haw” or perhaps a Smothers Brothers type of silly, country bumpkin comedy. Well, shucks! Tonight we were exposed to one of the most hilarious musicals I have ever seen."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...As you take in the musical as an audience member, you might find that Shucked amazes for a number of reasons. The script is witty, and the love story is the definition of wholesome. However, in my personal opinion, what truly sets this production apart is the talent in the ensemble as a whole. The soloists in particular wow with their vocal capabilities - with Lulu (Miki Abraham), Maizy (Danielle Wade), and Beau (Jake Odmark) standing out in particular. However, every ensemble member exudes a joyful energy that is impossible not to love. This, in my opinion, is so much a part of what makes this production a success."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Cob County is under a corn emergency. The wedding of childhood sweethearts, Maizy and Beau, is interrupted by crop failure. When the community's fields of dreams is threatened, they must face survival by slim-pickings. And this kernel of truth exposes them to outside forces. The creative team of Robert Horn (book) and Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally (music and lyrics) serve up a tasty meal of homegrown humor. They've produced a musical rooted in fun and corn-inspired wordplay. The results is pretty damn punny!"
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Drop everything and go see Shucked while you can. It's hilarious, heartfelt and (forgive me) ear-resistable, a truly cream-of-the-crop show and proof that American musical theater is still capable of winsome, surprising and original works worth their ever-inflating ticket prices."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...It feels too on the nose to describe Shucked (book by Robert Horn, music by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, direction by Jack O'Brien) as "corny," but I think that's exactly what the creators want the audience to experience with this musical: a cornucopia of corny comedy that leaves audiences feeling like they've just been on a Saturday afternoon romp through a corn maze."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...The score by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally is marvelous and tuneful, a collection of melodies that become real signposts of the action. And the clean, easy direction of legendary Broadway director Jack O’Brien reminds us that true creativity comes from within us at any age…bravo, sir. There is so much more to share about SHUCKED. Suffice it to say that it is a classic story of low humor and familiar notes, given the highest professional commitment by theatrical artists who know what they are doing."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Branded as Broadway's Corniest Hit, Shucked is currently stalking America chock full of jokes, malapropisms, suggestive innuendos, and a bushel basket heaped with heart and soul. The official stalks-person, Reba McEntire, opines, "I want you to see "Shucked." This is the hilarious nine-time 2023 Tony Award nominee and winner for singer-actor Alex Newell. This musical comedy also won two Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards. It is now on tour across the United States. If you are tired of the pablum of serialization, sequels, unoriginal parodies, and nostalgic but recycled shows, Shucked is the cornpone cure."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...SHUCKED is a corny musical...in the best way possible. Book writer Robert Horn and composer team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally’s lyrics are chock-full (or should I say husk-full?) of puns, double entendres, and cringey punchlines. I was grinning ear-to-ear (of corn). SHUCKED is joyful, creative, and fun."
