Nashville Celebrates ‘Shucked’ with a Behind-the-Scenes Look
On a bright, crisp afternoon in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors wide to a special event that has everyone buzzing with excitement. Titled Conversation and Performance: Making the Musical ‘Shucked’, this event offered fans and curious music lovers an insightful peek into the world of Broadway, specifically into the making of the hit musical ‘Shucked’. The program took place from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM on November 3, 2024, and featured a star-studded panel.
Dive into the Story of ‘Shucked’
For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing Shucked, it tells the engaging tale of the charming residents of Cob County, who find themselves in a pickle when their prized corn crop starts withering away. Set against the backdrop of an original storyline with charming roots in the beloved country variety show Hee Haw, the musical has made quite a splash since it first opened in Salt Lake City in late 2022, made its way to Broadway in early 2023, and is now gearing up for a national tour kicking off later this month.
Behind the Magic
The afternoon featured musical masterminds Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, who created the show’s enchanting lyrics and music, along with Mike Bosner, the producer, and Robert Horn, who penned the book for the musical. Angela Stefano Zimmer, a warm and engaging host from the museum, led the discussion, allowing the audience to learn first-hand about the creative process that brought ‘Shucked’ to life.
As audience members settled into their seats, Clark and McAnally shared tales of inspiration, laughter, and the occasional frantic moment during the writing and development stages. “We wanted to create something that resonates with both the heart and humor of people,” McAnally shared, his enthusiasm palpable as he described how the vibrant essence of country music woven with storytelling plays a vital role in the show.
Celebrating Acclaim and Achievements
Adding to the event’s buzz was the sheer amount of recognition that ‘Shucked’ has garnered in a short time. The musical received a whopping nine Tony Award nominations and took home the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, thanks to the talented Alex Newell, who portrays the lively character Lulu. The show also received notable Drama Desk Awards nominations, winning two: one for Outstanding Music, awarded to Clark and McAnally, and one for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, won by Newell.
A Special Performance
To close out the session, the audience was treated to a lively performance by Clark and McAnally, who brought snippets of their music to life. Watching them perform was like watching the heart of the show itself; their passion for storytelling through song radiated throughout the hall. The music of ‘Shucked’ not only entertains the audience but also serves as a reflection of the challenges, joys, and quirkiness of life!
American Currents Exhibit
This informative event was part of the museum’s broader exhibition titled American Currents: State of the Music, where visitors can explore video footage and artifacts from ‘Shucked’, getting an even closer look at its success and the artistry behind it.
Nashville once again proved to be a hub of creativity and cultural celebration. With shows like ‘Shucked’ on the horizon, the city continues to be an essential part of the vibrant world of musical theater. As everyone departed after the event, you could hear the chatter of how excited people were to see ‘Shucked’ perform live soon at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. There’s much to look forward to in the world of country music and theater!
