Maryland's Erick Pinnick Brings Broadway Magic to Baltimore in ‘Shucked’

By Frankie Kujawa
Get ready, Baltimore! SHUCKED, the uproarious, Tony Award®–winning musical comedy that has critics laughing out loud is coming to Charm City. Running through Sunday, April 6th at the Hippodrome Theatre, this musical is as unforgettable as a sprinkle of Old Bay—spicy, addictive, and undeniably entertaining. Maryland-native Erick Pinnick, who plays Grandpa in the performance, is bringing his undeniable talent to the delight of audiences! 

Danielle Wade as Maizy and Erick Pinnick as Grandpa in The North American Tour of SHUCKED (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Frankie Kujawa: Could you explain what audiences can expect from this performance of SHUCKED?
Erick Pinnick: Audiences can expect to come and laugh their butts off!  I think there’s a total of about 187 to 188 jokes in the show. [Audiences] are also going to see a story about how a community comes together to take care of each other.  And, how a young woman becomes a hero and saves her community; even when that community doubted that they had it within them to do that to begin with. They prove for themselves that they can be the hero.
 
Frankie Kujawa: Could you describe your role as “Grandpa” for our readers?
Erick Pinnick:  I’m the “Grandpa” of the heroine.  ‘Grandpa” has some very funny lines, but he also has some sage advice.  There’s definitely some relationships and romantic entanglements in the show.  A couple that’s about to get married at the very beginning of the show ends up with some detours.  But “Grandpa” helps to steer the heroine back to where she should be.  [‘Grandpa”] is just a sense of support and, fortunately for me, comedy.  It’s funny because, as a performer, sometimes you’ll get to a certain age and you’re playing the wiser, older character.  [As a performer] you then come in and you’re definitely like the “Morgan Freeman” of the performance; a character that is tasked with knowing everything and having all the answers, but doesn’t always get a chance to be funny. So that’s what I love about playing “Grandpa.”
 
Frankie Kujawa: What went into preparing for this role?
Erick Pinnick: It’s funny because I was fortunate enough to go to the very first preview of SHUCKED. I had auditioned for that production, but it had already been out of town, and their cast was in place. So, I actually had some familiarity with the material when I came in for the national tour.  I also had some familiarity with the associate director, the director and the book writer because I had been in the room with them before and done the material and had received a good response then. So it was a process of dusting off the material and going back in and finding the truth in it. One of the major things that they always tell us is, “You’re not funny. Don’t try to be funny.” So I try to approach the material in a very earnest way, and the comedy comes out of that.  It’s so rewarding, especially in the times we’re in, to be able to make 1,700-3,500 people laugh all at the same time because of something you’re doing.  I think we all need a good laugh right now. 
 
Frankie Kujawa: Why do you think it is about SHUCKED that draws audiences to the show?
Erick Pinnick: I think what’s interesting about it, and what I love with the audiences, is SHUCKED is one of the few shows these days that isn’t based on existing IP [Intellectual Property].  It’s not based on a book, or a movie, or a famous singer’s life.  And all those are great, too, but there’s an air of mystery when you see this giant corn on a poster and it’s bright and inviting.  [Audiences] think “I need to go check this out.” You see that poster and you know you’re not going to see AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY when you see a giant cornstalk on the poster. And if you’re music fan, especially country music, then you’re probably familiar with Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally who wrote our beautiful score.
 
Frankie Kujawa: Could you describe your connection to Baltimore?
Erick Pinnick: I was born in Baltimore and grew up in Forest Park until I was about ten. Then we moved to Ellicott City. I've always had a love of music.  I went to Westowne Elementary School, and my music teacher was also my great aunt. She instilled a love of music in me from the very beginning. So, it was special to have one of your close relatives in school with you. Then, my music teacher at Patapsco Middle School took a bunch of to the high school to see OLIVER.  At the time I thought, ‘What a special thing that she took the time out of her schedule to take a few of us there.’  Then, I went to Mt. Hebron high school in Ellicott City and I started doing theater. That led to a bunch of plays and musicals.  I also did some things with the Howard County Summer Theater.  So that’s how I ‘cut my teeth.’ 
 
Frankie Kujawa: How does it feel to have this performance take place here in Charm City?
Erick Pinnick: It’s exciting!  I’ve played two show prior in Baltimore at CenterStage.  I’ve had the fortune to perform [in Baltimore] but never to come through with a national tour.  So, I’m really very excited to play Baltimore!

Be sure to click here​ for more information on upcoming performance of SHUCKED!