Displaying items by tag: Jack O’Brien

It’s the second act, and Beau (Jake Odmark) is in quite a state. The love of his life is about to marry another man, and he doesn’t know what to do. In an effort to lift him up, his friends do what anyone in their positions should do – insult the competition and highlight all of Beau’s strengths in the process. The effort is spearheaded by Beau’s loveable younger brother, Peanut (Mike Nappi – with an adorably genuine charisma.)

“Best Man Wins” is fast-paced and hilarious - with a tune that just might invite you to dance along in your seats. As Beau sits dejected on a barrel, his friends surround him – each hopping in with an insult about this “other man” that trumps the last. Sarah O’Gleby’s choreography does not disappoint. With talented performers jumping on barrels and racing on beams throughout the farmhouse, there is an impressive feat to witness regardless of where you direct your attention on stage. As Beau becomes consumed in the positivity and joins his friends in the choreography, this particular audience roared with applause – clearly swept up in the journey alongside him.

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 Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED.

With book by Robert Horn and music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McNally, Shucked follows Maizy (Danielle Wade) as she sets out to save Cob County’s dying corn crop – despite her fiancé, Beau’s, wishes. She finds Gordy (Quinn Vanantwerp) in Tampa – a podiatrist she believes can be the hero they need, and one who is more than excited to trick the community into giving him their precious resources as he “heals” their crops. Much as to be expected, nothing quite goes as expected when Maizy brings this new man home. However, as with so many romantic comedies, the true lessons are in the journey, and each of the characters has a little something to learn about how to love those closest to them.

The musical features a catchy score – full of hits that are sure to keep you singing on the way home including “Corn,” “Travelin’ Song,” “OK,” and “Holy Shit.” As much as the high-energy songs wow and amaze, the slower, emotional ballads carry an equal level of wonder – particularly with the voices that perform them. Beau’s rendition of “Somebody Will” elicited cheers that lasted minutes as he completed the solo. The song appears in the middle of the first act, when Beau finds himself stuck – hoping that Maisy will return to him but also unsure if he should forgive her for leaving him in the first place. Odmark’s vibrato soared in this performance, but the grounded, emotional energy he infused into the number truly pushed it over the top.

Directed by Jack O’Brien, Shucked is a classic romantic comedy – with all of the ups and downs that come with it. Romance fans in the audience are sure to find themselves looking away as the central heroes make silly choices and leaning in when they see them get increasingly closer to solidifying the happy ending of which they always dreamed. The script itself is witty, filled with dark, comedic jokes that keep you on your toes as you watch the events unfold. A good portion of the comedy comes from the two narrators at the center – Storyteller 1 (Maya Lagerstam) and Storyteller 2 (Tyler Joseph Ellis). Both performers showcase top-notch comedic timing and judging by the uproars of laughter surrounding me at this performance, I was not the only one who felt this way.

Full of laughter and infectious joy, Shucked is the perfect show for the family as Chicago slides into the colder months.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Shucked runs through January 19, 2025 at the CIBC Theatre – 18 W Monroe Street. See the Broadway in Chicago website for further information regarding tickets.