"Shucked" is bringing a load of heart and corny fun to Norfolk this week.
The show takes place in fictional Cob County, where corn is the lifeblood of the community until, one day, the crop dies. When a determined heroine, Maizy, sets out to save the yield, the town learns about love, resilience and embracing change.
Miki Abraham, who plays Lulu, Mickey's feisty cousin, has been with the production since its early development. Abraham was in the pre-Broadway run in 2022 as an understudy and joined the show on Broadway in 2023.
“It’s been really special to get to create this character almost from scratch,” Abraham said recently. “The creative team lets each version of the show feel like a new opening.”
Lulu is the tough-as-nails operator of the town’s distillery and delivers the showstopping “Independently Owned,” underscoring her confidence.
The show features a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn ("Tootsie") and a score by Grammy Award-winning country music duo Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.
While "Shucked" is filled with corn puns and fast-paced jokes, Abraham said its emotional core is what resonates most with audiences, particularly in the South and Midwest.
“When we bring this show into different communities, people see themselves or their families on stage,” Abraham said. “That connection is really powerful.”
Abraham said the opening night of the national tour in Nashville still stands out as a career highlight. With Clark and McAnally’s deep roots in country music, the show felt right at home.
“It felt like the show was made to be there,” Abraham said.
As the tour continues, Abraham hopes "Shucked" will grow in regional and community theaters.
“It’s simple, it’s funny and it tells a good story.”
Ultimately, Abraham encourages audiences to take a chance on a show they may not recognize.
“If you don’t know what it is, come see it,” Abraham said. “No one’s ever been disappointed sitting in a comedy for two hours.”
Visit sevenvenues.com for tickets and more information.
