Audiences can expect to be ‘a-maized’ when the Tony Award-winning musical Shucked hits the Martin Center Grand Hall stage May 5-7.
This “corn-fed, corn-bred” classic provides a blend of witty, self-aware humor along with a heartfelt story about community, change, and the courage it takes to step beyond what you’ve always known.
Set in Cob County, a fictional, rural American town, this story follows our character Maizy, a young woman who ventures out beyond her hometown in search of answers.
As she’s introduced to the show’s colorful cast, she discovers that the most impactful moments of growth can often be found in the most unexpected places.
Jennifer Clements, executive director of the ETSU Martin Center says the center is excited to bring a show like Shucked, as they believe this is a fantastic way to round out their Broadway Season.
“This year we’ve been able to offer a little bit of everything for a little bit of everyone, so I think Shucked fills in the gap of just being hilarious and fun,” said Clements. “We’re excited to be able to offer something that’s going to bring some entertainment and just a different type of Broadway show from the other shows we’ve had this season.”
Featuring a score by the Grammy Award-winning duo Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked leans into its country roots while delivering songs that are both catchy and emotionally grounded: something that will resonate with the Tri-Cities community.
Since its initial Broadway debut, this show has gained a reputation for its story being as unapologetically silly as it is unexpectedly moving.
Bringing this production to the Martin Center Grand Hall offers audiences the chance to experience a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still manages to leave a lasting impression on all audiences.
“I think it’s just the funniness that’s getting the community buzzing,” said Clements. “I think a lot of people don’t even know what it’s about, but it’s about corn and being corny, and all the fun jokes that can go along with corn definitely help to make things ‘pop’.”
With this being a busy time for many in our community, Clements says she hopes audiences can come to this show and leave any troubles or stressors at the box office.
“I hope that people can come to the show and put everything else in the back of their mind and really just be present and enjoy the entertainment and the absolute wonderful talent that we’re going to see performing that night on stage,” said Clements.
The Martin Center would like to thank their season partner Bank of Tennessee, as well as the sponsor of this show, Bravesima.
General admission tickets are available through the Martin Center box office as well as visiting https://www.etsu.edu/martin-center/ .
