Joni Lorraine

Legendary it is. In fact, it is among this reviewer’s short list of “comfort musicals.” And right now, many of us can use the comfort of a heartwarming story about strength in the face of a regime that gave rise to the most consequential war in world history. With Rodgers and Hammerstein, though, this story with a happy ending gets even happier. Sorry if that was a spoiler.

My praise for this production of THE OUTSIDERS may seem effusive. Early reviews for the show were mixed, with concerns that have since been addressed so effectively that the production went on to earn its well-deserved Tonys. There are some shows worth seeing and others we simply shouldn’t miss. THE OUTSIDERS is the latter.

The production is straightforward and beautifully executed, with a fine orchestra under the direction of Leigh Delano, choreography by Danny Mefford that supports rather than overwhelms, and a design team that delivers the show with polish and precision.

Pacing is crisp, and the show comes in at a quick 90 minutes with no intermission. Terrific physical comedy (and even some dance) abounds, aided by fight director Robert Wesley. Set Designer Lee Savage, Lighting Designer Ryan O’Gara, Costume Designer Jen Caprio, and Sound Designer Jeff Human hit all the marks needed for meeting our expectations around this iconic story.

Y’all, SHUCKED is in town and it’s just as corny as you might imagine. It’s full to the brim with dad jokes, groan worthy puns, a-maize-ing talent, and a sweet little universal plot. It’s a strange but pleasant marriage between Broadway and corn-try music. An unapologetically silly display of rural Americana, SHUCKED is a timely fresh breath of fun.

Jamaal Fields-Green, the only person to have played the role in all three global productions, on Broadway, on the National Tour, and in London’s West End, is an exacting and calculated MJ. It's difficult to tell if Fields-Green as an actor is exacting in his role, or if MJ was exacting with his persona. It is understandable that Fields-Green holds such a distinction to have been cast for each of these productions. Josiah Benson gives Little Michael a sparkling joy and innocence, while Erik Hamilton does a great job of playing Michael as a young adult seeking a life of his own.