Theresa Bertram — Theater Critic

This production is flashy, hilarious, sweet, and ridiculously entertaining from start to finish. Whether you are a diehard musical theatre fan, a lover of early 2000s pop music, or simply someone who wants a joyful night out, this show delivers pure serotonin straight to the audience.

My starry-heart eyes belong to Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar. From the moment she stepped onstage, she didn’t just play the character, she sounded like Sugar in every possible way. Her singing shimmered with that lush, smoky jazz tone the role demands, but what truly set her apart was how she carried that stylization into her speaking voice. Every line felt shaped, swung, and caressed like a jazz phrase, as if she herself were another instrument in the band.

Hannah Shankman as Fanny—who, let’s be clear, is no ugly duckling—can S-I-N-G! Holy smokes. From the moment she opens her mouth, she owns the stage with a voice that is powerful, expressive, and downright mesmerizing. Honestly, the story could have been nonexistent, and the audience still would have been completely captivated by her vocals alone. But add in her impeccable comedic timing, endearing charm, and emotional depth? She is Fanny Brice, through and through. We loved her!

The cast of Shucked is a powerhouse ensemble that delivers laugh after laugh. Time flew by, and I loved every minute of it. Each performer brings a unique energy to their role, creating a dynamic chemistry that drives the show’s humor and heart.