Last night, the Broadway musical Shucked made history of a sort when cast member Alex Newell delivered a red-hot performance of the musical’s barnburner “Independently Owned” on The Voice, marking the first time a Broadway show has gained entry onto the NBC talent competition.
The performance before a national audience was just the latest tradition-bucking move for Shucked, the seemingly out-of-nowhere musical that capped a months-long campaign for recognition – any recognition – with its garnering of no fewer than nine Tony Award nominations on May 2, nominations that included Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction and, for both Newell and actor Kevin Cahoon, Best Featured Actor/Musical.
The nominations marked a big turning point for the production, both in terms of box office and public perception. New Yorkers and tourists began noticing the ubiquitous, pun-filled, bright yellow and green Shucked posters throughout the subway system and elsewhere months ago, though the ads gave little away in terms of plot.
Still, the posters drew attention with faux-critic quotes like “The Musical That Has Broadway All A-Twitter!” – Elon Husk. “Finger-Lickin’ Funny” – Kernel Sanders. “I saw it 300 times before it even opened!” – George Santos.
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