CHICAGO (WLS) — “Shucked” just opened to great reviews; it’s at the CIBC Theatre in a limited run.
Miki Abraham and Quinn VanAntwerp have key roles in the musical, and both appeared in the Broadway production.
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They’re thrilled to bring it to the Chicago audience.
Abraham, who portrays Lulu in the show, explained that the setting is Cobb County, focusing on a town whose main source of livelihood is corn. However, a crisis occurs when the corn crops fail, leading the townspeople to navigate this unexpected challenge.
“The storyline follows our protagonist as she ventures out in search of assistance and returns with a dubious character,” Abraham elaborated. “The essence of the show lies in the realization that embracing change can be enlightening rather than daunting, and integrating new individuals can bring about positive and enjoyable transformations.”
VanAntwerp plays Gordy.
“It’s a show about family; it’s a show about corn, but really it’s about loving each other regardless of our difference,” VanAntwerp said.
He said he’s the “bad guy.”
VanAntwerp, playing the role of the con man, discussed the events further, mentioning the cascade of mishaps that occur upon his arrival and his journey towards potential redemption. Reflecting on the camaraderie within the eclectic group of characters and the unique process of developing the show, VanAntwerp expressed immense gratitude for the rewarding experience as an actor.
Abraham said the writer of the show said “cold is for comedy.”
“If you’re a little chilly, you’ll be more willing to laugh at something. So, performing this show in Chicago is cool for that reason,” he said.
VanAntwerp said he’s always wanted to perform in Chicago.
“It’ll be fun to do this show here, in this theater that so many of my friends and people I look up to have played,” he said. “People come in not knowing what it is, and by the end they leave. And it’s one of their favorite things they’ve seen in the last 10, 15 years. It’s not just an escape. By the end, you’ll be wondering why you’re laughing and crying at this silly corn musical.”
“When is the last time people can sit in an audience together and just laugh, just take two and a half hours from whatever is going on in your life and just laugh with each other?” Abraham asked.
VanAntwerp called it “hijinks.”
“(It’s) just a really good night of theater,” he said.
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