SHUCKED On Broadway - Reviews Thread — Page 11

Shalfoard said: "Shucked is this season's Tootsie."

ok

look, if I were a betting person I'd say Shucked runs though early January in an absolute best-case scenario, and then it tours and then every high school & regional theatre in America produces it.

Grosses over the coming weeks will be telling. If it's going to catch on like Something Rotten, those numbers will have to climb quickly and they need to start moving mass volumes of full-price tickets. The key difference is the style of musical comedy: SR had splashier musical numbers and a more slick production. This all feels a little more gentle & homespun. Both had low comedy, but for some reason British low comedy is viewed as classier to New Yorkers.

I do wonder if they pivot the ad campaign away from corn now. Focus the creative on the cast or some other type of humor.

Updated On: 4/5/23 at 12:31 AM

Jesse Green’s reviewing has taken such a turn since he came from NY Mag. His reviews have taken on a level of snootiness and self importance that makes it even his positive reviews annoying to read. 

What would you rather have:

A rave (critic pix) from The New York Times and mixed reviews everywhere else

Or:

A rave from most outlets but NOT The New York Times?

 

 

I'm so thrilled that an original music is receiving mostly raves!!! We're giving new work a chance :)

perfectpenguin said: " 
Does the New York Times have that much of an influence on ticket sales? I’m just curious since I don’t follow New York Times or read opening night reviews."

The NYT is pretty much the ONLY review that can drive sales for certain shows if it’s a rave. The influence is not what it used to be, but a show that gets a rave can still have a great day post-opening. (I say CAN, not will, because each scenario is different).

It’s also the only publication that is widely read by the theatre industry, when we’re talking about industry support & Tonys. 

OhHiii said: "Jesse Green’s reviewing has taken such a turn since he came from NY Mag. His reviews have taken on a level of snootiness and self importance that makes it even his positive reviews annoying to read."

Pains me to have to agree with this. Its like hes writing for characters in an SNL sketch about snooty old self-proclaimed intellectuals.

Jarethan said: "PipingHotPiccolo said: "I mean Tootsie won an award for book and for a standout performance-- its not an insane comparison."

Tootsie was a piece of crap, occasionally helped by its very funny book. Fontana was fine, but I don’t think he deserved a Tony.

if it’s as good as Tootsie, I’d pass."

I wasn't comparing them on the merits--- I was just saying that I can see Shucked having similar awards-season luck as Tootsie, which was rewarded for a beloved performance and a v funny book.

I liked Shucked WAY more than Tootsie, bc the latter (like SLIH) was trapped in its effort to retell a story that worked decades ago on film, whereas Shucked could forego a real story altogether and let itself just be ridiculous. But the humor in Shucked is similar to Tootsies--- and i mean that as a huge compliment, so if you didnt like the latter, yes, this might not be for you:

"What would you rather have:

A rave (critic pix) from The New York Times and mixed reviews everywhere else

Or:

A rave from most outlets but NOT The New York Times?"

Personally, rather have rave from most outlets but not the NYT. I think if you pull rave "quotes" from a bunch of outlets that IMO looks more impressive in your advertisements than a "rave" from NYT.

One song show.  Alex is on a whole other level.

Other than, it's forgettable music and something that likely won't last a long time.  Might have a success on tour.  Might work well in schools.  

It's just so very one-note.  I was bored.

Okay so now we know how the critics rated "Shucked."   Most chose to give it a thumbs up because of the humor they allegedly found in the show's threadbare book.  But to their discredit, these same critics also failed to note that the humor in "Shucked" cuts both ways.  Some may indeed find the jokes lough-out-loud hysterical, while others will find them anything but.  But all the humor in the world isn't going to change the real truth about "Shucked."  As a piece of musical theater, it sucks.   Maybe some will agree that all that theatergoers need post-pandemic is a good chuckle or two.  Maybe.  But even those starved for humor, I suspect, will feel cheated by the time the curtain comes down on "Shucked."  I'm glad at least a couple of reviews (see New York Times and Village Voice) were perceptive enough to point out that cast member Alex Newell (the one standout) seems born to play Effie in "Dreamgirls," an observation I first made in my posting here two weeks ago. You're welcome.  Let's hope some producer who wants to bring back a truly great musical will take note.  In the meantime, "Shucked" is likely to eke out a modest run on Broadway before it heads fo the hinterlands.

clever2 said: "Adeliciaboy said: "But all the humor in the world isn't going to change the real truth about "Shucked." As a piece of musical theater, it sucks."

Some Like It Hot sucks. Beautiful Noise sucks. Bad Cinderella sucks. Pictures From Home sucks. The Thanksgiving Play sucks. And on and on and on. Within the last couple deplorable seasons, Shucked is making people happy. I’m sorry you hate that, but good grief. Whine whine whine. "

Truly. Jeez, what a rude and misanthropic post.

I, for one, am excited to see a light, original show and have a good time.