Conversation and Performance: Making the Musical ‘Shucked’ with Mike Bosner, Brandy Clark, Robert Horn and Shane McAnally

The musical "Shucked" — which opened in Salt Lake City in late 2022, moved to Broadway in early 2023 and will begin a national tour in late October — tells an original story about the residents of Cob County seeking help when their prized corn crop mysteriously starts dying, but it has its roots in the country variety series Hee Haw. "Shucked" earned nine Tony Awards nominations, and actor Alex Newell, who plays Lulu, won Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The musical also earned 12 Drama Desk Awards nominations and won two: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, who wrote the musical’s lyrics and music, won Outstanding Music and Newell won Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical. Ahead of "Shucked’s" stop at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Clark, McAnally, producer Mike Bosner and Robert Horn, who wrote the musical’s book, will discuss "Shucked’s" creation and success during this program, hosted by the Museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer. Clark and McAnally will also perform. Offered in support of the exhibition American Currents: State of the Music, which includes Shucked video footage and previously included artifacts from the musical.