Being from Kentucky, and identifying as nonbinary, Miki Abraham feels well-equipped to star as Lulu in the Broadway touring production of Shucked. Abraham relates to everybody, whether it’s the country folk or city slickers.

The musical proves that “tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life,” the show’s publicity declares — a reference to the current social divide in the country. Right there in the middle is Lulu, a  “rock of the community … who knows something before anybody else does,” Abraham said. Lulu is lead actor Maizy’s cousin and runs a whiskey distillery.

“I’m from Kentucky originally, and getting to play a strong Southern woman pays homage to all the matriarchy in my life,” Abraham told ArtsWatch. “She’s a hero in her own right.”

Shucked takes the stage at Portland’s Keller Auditorium for eight performances Tuesday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 2, and it’ll be the latest stop in Abraham’s years-long devotion to the Lulu character.

Abraham played an understudy role in Broadway’s show in Salt Lake City in 2022, as well as in the Broadway show itself in 2023 and ’24. Abraham’s stint on tour began in 2024 and goes through June 2026.

“It’s a testament to how good it is, if people want to sign up and do it for years,” said Abraham, who uses they/them pronouns and also works as a life coach away from the stage. The name “Miki” is short for Mckynleigh.

The story takes place in fictional Cobb County, where corn supports the community — until it doesn’t. Community members “don’t need outsiders,” Abraham said, but Maizy plays hero and figures out how to help the community move on by venturing out to seek support. Things get complicated, and Maizy and others realize that change helps them learn more about acceptance and love.

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It’s written by Robert Horn and directed by Jack O’Brien, with original music and lyrics by Nashville musicians Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. “What do you get when you pair a semi-neurotic, New York comedy writer (Horn) with two music superstars from Nashville (Clark, McAnally)?” the show’s publicity asks. “A hilarious and audacious farm-to-fable musical about the one thing Americans everywhere can’t get enough of: corn.”

Shucked received nine nominations at the 76th Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Then-cast member Alex Newell became one of the first nonbinary performers to be nominated for a Tony, and won for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Abraham gets to play the Newell role, Lulu, and sing the song “Independently Owned,” made famous by Newell. Abraham also sings some duets.

“I grew up singing country music. Doing this show melds both of me — musical theater and country music,” Abraham said.

Abraham said that the show appeals to everyone, whether it’s staged in New York City or the Midwest or South.

“We get to find out what different states think are funny,” they said. “In New York City, they’re laughing at the idea of country folks. You go to other areas and it’s, ‘Oh, my grandma is like that.’ People are sprinkled throughout the company from the South, so we’re pulling from real life.

“There are a lot of marriage jokes, and Texas thinks it’s funny.”

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Shucked plays for eight performances Oct. 28-Nov. 2 in Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St., Portland. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28-Friday, Oct. 31; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1; and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Find ticket and other information here.