By AJ Jaffari

What happens when a small-town fable gets the Broadway treatment—with a wink, a twang, and a whole lot of corn? That’s the playful premise of Shucked, the 2023 Tony-winning musical that turns heartland humor into a clever, crowd-pleasing spectacle. With a book by Robert Horn and a score by country powerhouses Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the show blends knee-slapping puns with melodies that surprise in their emotional depth.

Now playing at the Curran in San Francisco, Shucked leans into both its folksy charm and its sly self-awareness, delivering a production that revels in silliness while never underestimating its audience. Beneath the rapid-fire jokes and musical punchlines lies a sly meditation on community, connection, and what it takes to grow beyond the borders of home.

While the endless stream of puns and dad jokes wasn’t always to my taste, Shucked clearly struck a chord with the opening night crowd. This is a show with a built-in audience—perhaps even those who don’t usually gravitate toward musicals. By leaning into just enough absurdity, it finds broad appeal as a true crowd-pleaser. And amid the barrage of bawdy humor, I was surprised to find moments of real tenderness shining through.

While many cast members delivered standout performances, Miki Abraham was my personal favorite. She brought an invigorating, punchy energy to the stage with a femme fatale flair that was impossible to ignore. Her voice, impressively strong yet somewhat underrated within the piece, deserves far more recognition—I wouldn’t be surprised to see her name glowing on a Broadway marquee before long. As Lulu, she gives the show exactly what it needs, even if I was taken aback by where her character’s story ultimately led. Once again, those unexpected flashes of tenderness within such an absurd world kept me both curious and on the edge of my seat.

Among the many production elements that caught my eye, the set design stood out as both charming and remarkably inventive. Though the story is steeped in corn, several scenes transport us beyond Cobb County, adding variety and texture to the world of the show.

The lighting design deserves special mention, particularly in the way it elevated many of the solo numbers and gave the performers an extra spotlight of brilliance. Costumes, too, added a stylized touch that matched the production’s playful tone.

Musically, I had several favorites, but it’s “Independently Owned” that has been stuck in my head ever since leaving the theater. Its punch and confidence linger long after the curtain falls.

With its clever set, striking costumes, dynamic lighting, and a score brimming with corn-fed humor, Shucked makes for a delightful evening. I highly recommend catching it on its latest stop at the Curran.

Shucked runs through October 5 and tickets are available here.