As someone who's coming to New York City in a couple of weeks, I have been reading about everything available we could possibly see. Shucked, like a lot of original musicals, is facing a familiar challenge. For all I know, it could be the best musical of the season, and if it was playing a Wednesday matinee the week we'll be there, it seems like an ideal light comedy before plunging into the Sweeney Todd revival that evening.
But it's not, and I already have bought tickets for two of the shows I'm planning to see. That leaves one opening for Shucked, in its first previews, with what sounds like a deliberately corny, Music Man-style premise. I might love it, I might think it's dumb. It's riskier for that reason and a harder sell for my spouse. I know I can see major musical revivals, an acclaimed play, already-reviewed new musicals, and the current favorite of Best Musical - also original.
Out-of-town tryouts for original musicals, and I have seen my share at this point, tell me a little but not necessarily a lot. Local reviewers tend to be polite. Same with audiences. Everyone just overlooks serious flaws in the book, score, direction, acting, or all four. It's hard to succeed on Broadway with an original story and no stars, but movie adaptations are no guarantee either. Otherwise, a number of shows in recent seasons would be hits.
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