Full Q&A with 'Shucked' Star Quinn VanAntwerp
From Broadway to the Straz, VanAntwerp Dishes on Corn, Comedy, and What Makes Gordy Tick
by Avery Anderson
Ahead of Shucked’s Tampa premiere, we caught up with actor Quinn VanAntwerp — best known for his record-setting run as Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys and now playing Gordy on the Shucked national tour. Here, he talks about playing a lovable villain, the magic of making people laugh, and what it’s like bringing Broadway’s corn-fueled comedy to Tampa.
Shucked is kind of its own genre — part musical comedy, part corny fairytale, part “wait, did they really just say that?” How do you describe it to someone who’s never seen it?
For sure Shucked is one of the most unique shows to come to Broadway in the past 10 years. It is part sitcom, part rock concert, and part "Borscht-Belt" stand-up. It is so rare to work on a show that isn't based on previous material, and that gave us the unique opportunity to throw the best of ourselves at it and keep what was truly funny, truly heartfelt, and truly ourselves. And I think that's what makes coming to see Shucked such a wonderful experience for the audiences. It is disarmingly simple, but it moves people in a way that they don't expect.
Gordy is a total outsider — and a total wildcard. What’s your favorite thing about playing him? Any unexpected ways you relate to the character?
This is the first time I have gotten to play a "bad guy" in a show, and I have really enjoyed it. I feel like Gordy is a guy searching for his place in the world, and most of us can relate to that. That feeling of not living up to the expectations that our family had for us... that we have for ourselves. And so that journey of self-acceptance is a fun journey to take every night and probably a cathartic one for me to remind myself of every day.
You’ve been with Shucked since the Broadway run — what’s it been like watching it grow from NYC to the national tour? Any “pinch me” moments along the way?
Shucked was the first job I got after the pandemic. It was the height of that second wave of it, and we all locked ourselves up at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in a barn to create this little corn show. I didn't know much about it, but when I met the team, I knew I wanted to work with them. That month living in dorms together by the sea was some of my favorite times of my career. We would stay up late coming up with ways to make each other laugh the next day. And when we finally took it to Broadway, I remember wondering the night of our first preview if any of the things we had created were worth showing to a Broadway audience. They were either gonna love it or hate it. And when I tell you I have never heard laughter like that... I just remember being like, wow. They got it! And after that first preview, the word of mouth just took off. That first show is my favorite moment of this process for sure. Bringing it on tour in some ways is an extension of that feeling. It feels like bringing the show home to the people it is about. And now getting to bring it to TAMPA! Getting to play Tampa's own Gordy Jackson in Tampa is something I have had circled on my calendar for a long, long time.
Do you remember your first reaction to reading the Shucked script? What made you say yes?
Probably like many of your readers, my first thought was, "They really are making a corn musical?" But as soon as I got my hands on the script, I knew that this was special. The jokes-per-page ratio was the highest I had ever seen, and my wife could hear me cackling from upstairs. Robert Horn is truly a singular talent. He is an endless well of hilarious ideas. I have learned so much about comedy from him.
The music in Shucked is so unique — rooted in country but full of Broadway heart. How would you describe Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally’s sound in the show?
Because Shane and Brandy are such prolific songwriters, obviously so many of these songs could be singles on country radio — but to call it a country musical somehow doesn't seem quite right. There are country songs for sure, but there is gospel, and soul, and straight classical musical theatre numbers as well. So if you're a fan of country, you'll love it. But if you're not, don't be scared off by our small-town heartland roots.
What’s it like working on a musical written by artists outside the traditional theatre world? Does it shift anything for you as a performer?
For sure this group was the most collaborative team I have ever worked with. This show has always been about family, and that starts from the top down. So much of that is Shane and Brandy and how incredibly gracious, humble, and excited they are to do this work. They both are so very accomplished — they didn't need to make a Broadway musical — but there is something addictive about creating something new with so many people. You miss it once it is gone, and they reinvigorated that for me.
Do you have a favorite song to perform (or one that always gets stuck in your head post-show)?
I have always loved the song "Best Friends." It's simple and perfect, and we all long to have that one person in our lives that we could never lose.
What’s the vibe like with this cast on the road? Any favorite tour moments so far?
This group is fantastic, and we are having a blast so far. It is always scary starting a new company when you loved your original group so much, but this show seems to always find the funniest folks around. There is something so unique about being in a comedy like this one — especially one that most of the country has never seen. I think all of us feel very lucky that we get to bring this joy and laughter to so many people across the country. We are very lucky, and it makes going out there every night, 8 times a week, so exciting because you know there are people out there that have no idea what they are in for.
Touring can be chaotic — what keeps you grounded and having fun city to city? Any rituals or routines?
I am lucky enough to be touring with my family. My wife and I had our first daughter during previews of the Broadway show and are actually expecting our second Shucked baby to be born in L.A. this August! My wife was also in the show up until a few weeks ago, when she left for maternity leave. And although it sometimes is a struggle driving all around the country with a two-year-old, it is an adventure we will never forget.
The show is packed with outrageous one-liners — is there one that always cracks you up, no matter how many times you hear it?
There are sooooo many!!! And so many that didn't make it! I could tell you ten that I laugh at almost every night, but Robert Horn would kill me for giving them away before audiences saw it :)
You played Bob Gaudio over 3,000 times in Jersey Boys — if Gordy and Bob met in a bar, what would that conversation sound like?
Hmmm that's a really good question. Maybe it's my next one-man show? I think Gordy could definitely be in the music business someday — he's got the suit for it — so I would assume Gordy would be trying to find an in with Mr. G.
Tampa audiences are famously rowdy (in the best way). Anything you’re looking forward to while in town?
Well, this is my third time coming to the Straz. I came twice with Jersey Boys, and I always love my time in Tampa. Obviously, Gordy is a "Tamponian" himself, so I am very excited to see how audiences react to our homage to their great city. But I also love Bern's Steak House, and I will be doing everything I can to get us a late-night post-show reservation there at the dessert room. It is a tour must!
🎟️ Shucked at the Straz Center
📍 Morsani Hall, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
📅 June 3–8, 2025
🎟️ Get Tickets Here
More info: The national tour of Shucked brings Broadway’s funniest, punniest, and most unexpectedly touching new musical to Tampa Bay for one week only. Don’t miss your chance to experience the laugh-out-loud phenomenon in person.