NY, NY and Shucked

Shucked" is probably the funniest musical on Broadway right now. Based on the book by Robert Horn, the play takes place in the Nebraska corn field where the corn on the farm of Maizy (Caroline Innerbichler) is dying. She sets out for Tampa, Florida of all places to find the answers to her questions. She lands upon a fake podiatrist who after finding out precious rocks are on the farmland says he can help her with her problem.

The story is told by two tremendous narrators; Grey Henson and Ashley D. Kelley. Replete with jokes and raucous fun, these two are the centerpiece of the hilarity. As Beau (Andrew Durand) is losing his girl to the conman Gordy, (John Behlmann), he plots forward to prove that Gordy is a fake. He has an allie in Lulu, her cousin. She too thinks that Gordy is a fraud and does her best of exposing him; trouble is, she starts to fall for him as well.

In Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally's music we get silly, fun songs. There are some really deep, meaningful ones, however. Songs that knock it out of the park are "Woman of the World", "Independently Owned", "I Do", "Corn Mix" and "Maybe Love". The direction by Jack O'Brien is stellar in this hidden gem of a musical. Sarah O'Gleby adds a simple, but sweet Choreography in this two hour twenty minute whirlwind of a show. Scott Pask's scenic design is right on the mark in that he gives us the feel for the corn fields in a barn like set. Japy Weideman in the lighting is a cross of glam and romantic, The lighting supports the director well here in that it is never overpowering nor weak. A right blend brings the action to the forefront. The costumes by Tilly Grimes run from the ridiculous to the traditional, and why not, the entire show vacillates this way!

While all the performers are good, people like Kevin Cahoon, John Behlmann and Andrew Durand stand out, as do the the storyteller's. The entire cast works this absurd comedy well; they have fun with it too! For the most part, the diverse cast is terrific. At times it is difficult to imagine the grandfather being Maizy's relations. At times, the grandfather tries to bring a New York or New Orleans Jazz feel to the show which makes it feel scripted.

In "Shucked", the audience is treated to a wonderful time, enjoyable and warm, this is one that must be seen!

New York, New York.

A Love Fest to the Epicenter of the World.

Robert Massimi.

It can be said that we New Yorkers have a different kind of smart, we know what's good and what isn't; we can sift through quickly what is talent and what is minutia.

In David Thompson and Sharon Washington's book we get fair. In the music and lyrics you get mediocre from John Kander and Fred Ebb (additional lyrics by Lin- Manuel Miranda).

What is excellent is Beowulf Boritt's scenic and co-projection design. Also excellent is the lighting design by Ken Billington. In the lighting design, he makes the stage at times a carnival of lights. He does his best to make this lackluster show pop. Susan Stroman too does a admirable job in the direction and choreography. With a good ensemble cast, the dancing is inspiring, much like they used to do at Diamond Dan's in Times Square back in 1946 when this two hour forty five minute musical takes place.

Where the show runs into problems is the lead actors. Both Colton Ryan and Anna Uzele are not good enough to lead this behemoth of a musical. Both actors are inconsistent- even weak at times.

The show itself has to many sub-plots within the main plot. The nexus is that Francine (Uzele) wants to be a singing star. She marries Jimmy (Ryan); they are a inter-racial couple in the 40's. As Jimmy morns the loss of his brother, he drinks more and more. The drinking gets him fired from many of the clubs he works at. As Francine's star rises, he becomes more jealous. Jimmy leans on his best friend Tommy (Clyde Alves). Alves is a standout in his role; an excellent dancer and actor, he keeps the audience entertained all evening.

As a tribute to the Big Apple, I wished "New York, New York" was better. With all its fanfare, the show never gains any momentum. The musical numbers are not memorable and the lead actors do not have any real chemistry between them.

Next up: Summer 1976, Goodnight, Oscar, Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

Robert Massimi writes for Metropolitan Magazine, Mann About Town and Nimbus Magazine. Member Dramatists Guild.

Sweeny Todd, Broadway, Tony Awards, Laura Linney, Funny Girl, Leah Michelle, Peter Pam Goes Wrong, Back To The Future, Grey House, Dancin', Shucked, swmnimbus.org, www.nypost.com.