When producer Mike Bosner brings “Shucked,” one of Broadway’s most surprising hits, to The Fabulous Fox from Feb. 11–23, it will be more than just another stop on the musical’s national tour. For Bosner, it’s a homecoming—and a chance to showcase the show’s heartland roots.
From United Hebrew to Broadway
Bosner’s roots run deep in St. Louis, and so does his Jewish identity.
“I grew up going to United Hebrew,” he said, fondly recalling his bar mitzvah and teaching music at the synagogue’s Sunday school. His passion for music was cultivated early on, with influences ranging from St. Louis Children’s Choirs to his high school years at John Burroughs.
But it wasn’t until an internship at the Muny in 2004 under Paul Blake, his boss and mentor, that his career trajectory shifted dramatically.
“Two weeks into that internship, everything changed,” Bosner recalled. “I was sitting in a production meeting for ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ and realized there was a whole world behind the curtain — logistics, unions, business and creative collaboration — that I hadn’t known existed. It was a lightbulb moment.”
| RELATED: The Jewish history of The Fabulous Fox and how Mary and Leon Strauss saved it 40 years ago
A ‘Beautiful’ journey to ‘Shucked’
Bosner’s career took off when he became one of the lead producers of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” His mentor, Paul Blake, brought him on as a partner with the show, and the experience was transformative.
His love of storytelling and his Midwest upbringing eventually led him to “Shucked,” a musical comedy set in a small farming community where corn is king. The show has been described as a “farm-to-fable” musical with a blend of humor and heart. It features a Tony-winning book by Robert Horn, a self-described “semi-neurotic Jew” whose humor shapes much of the show’s tone.
“It’s very Mel Brooks in types of the humor that he has. And Neil Simon… there is a Jewish pastime to the cultural writers and directors and producers of the business of entertainment, and I think we fall in line with that,” Bosner said, summarizing the comedic DNA embedded in the show.
Corn, country music, and a Midwest sensibility
“Shucked” brings a fresh twist to Broadway, combining country music with witty wordplay and heartfelt messages. Bosner credits his Midwest upbringing for influencing the show’s broad appeal.
“Every show I produce comes with my Midwest ears. I want something that can play in New York and London but also connect with audiences in St. Louis, Chicago and beyond. The thing that I love about country music is that it’s wildly emotional,” said Bosner. “There are songs that my composers in particular will send me that are just them on a guitar. Even though we now have a Grammy-nominated cast album, the simplest little thing can be the most profound statement.”
The musical’s score, written by Grammy winners Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, blends country elements with Broadway-style arrangements. Bosner, driven by his love for country music, saw an opportunity to bring the genre to Broadway, where it’s often overlooked by audiences.
“The big revelation for me is that everyone in the big city sticks their nose up at country music, but country music is one of the biggest markets in metropolitan cities,” Bosner said.
“It’s just a different level of storytelling. I wanted to be the guy who brought country music to Broadway,” he added, noting that it hadn’t been done successfully since “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” more than 30 years ago.
Why St. Louis matters
Bringing “Shucked” to St. Louis is particularly meaningful for Bosner. Missouri, part of the Corn Belt and the state where corn is the largest crop by volume, serves as the perfect backdrop for the musical’s themes of community, humor and resilience. “This show was created for the heartland,” he said. “It’s about people coming together despite their differences — a metaphor for how corn grows and how communities thrive.”
When asked what excites him most about bringing the show home, Bosner’s response was heartfelt. “It’s a culmination of who I am as a person and what I love about theater,” he said. “To see it on The Fabulous Fox stage, where I’ve sat as a fan so many times, will be incredible.”
The future looks bright
As for what’s next, Bosner remained tight-lipped about upcoming projects but teased that exciting announcements are on the horizon. “There are a lot of new shows in development,” he said. “Stay tuned.”
Until then, St. Louis audiences can catch “Shucked” and experience the laughter, music, and heart that Bosner and his team have brought to life.
What: “Shucked”
Where: The Fabulous Fox, 527 North Grand Blvd.
When: Feb. 11–23
Ticket info: https://www.fabulousfox.com/events/detail/shucked
