I chatted with Erick Pinnick about growing up in Maryland and his love of the theater.

Talk about your background, where you grew up, etc

I grew up in Forest Park for the first ten years of my life. Then we moved to Ellicott City. I went to James Madison University and did a lot of theater. I had a chance to do operas and plays. It was a great place to learn and cut your teeth on different things.

What was it like growing up in Maryland?

I love Maryland and love going back there. It was sort of a “Charmed” experience. I felt so lucky to have my great aunt and other relatives to be a part of my Elementary School experience. My Middle School music teacher took us to a High School production of “Oliver.” When she drove me home, she wanted to know if I wanted to do something like that. I said “yeah, but they all seem so big.” You know when you’re an 8th grader and the older kids seem so tall and menacing? ::laughs::

I would go on to do six productions in High School and some for the Howard Summer Theater. Not everything is a given, so I realize how lucky I am to be exposed to the Arts in this way.

I read that you saw the Angela Lansbury version of “Sweeney Todd” on TV but then years later, got to be in “Sweeney Todd.” What is that whole full circle thing like?

It was WILD. PBS used to show full length shows. I remember that one and “Pippin.” Both totally different. I wanted to be like Ben Vereen; I wanted to be like Tobias. I wanted to do all of the things. I remember when my agent sent me the audition, the only thing I said back was “Hell yeah!” There are so few roles like that you get to show vocally and as an actor.

What is it like being able to travel around the country on tour?

It’s great because you don’t necessarily stop in places you would’ve ever imagined. One of my favorite stops was Des Moines, Iowa. It was REALLY a great city. The Downtown was great, the food was delicious and the audiences are delightful. You’re exploring America while getting paid ::laughs::

What is “Shucked” about and who do you play?

It is about corn.

SOLD! ::both laugh::

It’s about this isolated town that thrives on corn and it’s our way of life. But the corn starts to die. Someone needs to be a hero and that hero turns out to be Mazie. I play her Grandpa. I give her some advice on some romantic entanglements and other things that happen when she returns to Cobb County. What’s nice about Grandpa is he gets to be FUNNY. Sometimes the older wiser character is just to be a voice of reason. My Grandpa IS that, but he’s a funny guy. The two big takeaways is that it’s about a community of diverse people who love each other, and have one goal. It’s also about finding the hero in herself.

Did you say..Cobb County?

Yes.

That just made. MY. DAY!

Oh just you wait! There’s so many puns in the show. I think there’s around 178 in there.

This may be a bit of a..corny..question..

::laughs:: Oh no!

What is your favorite kind of corn? Corn on the cob, blanched corn, or popcorn?

I definitely love popcorn, especially at the movies. But corn on the cob is my favorite. Especially with some crabs and Old Bay..

Oh man! You HAVE to do that while you’re here.

I will NEVER eat crabs outside of Maryland. I’m a crab snob that way.

Like, who wants a crabcake from Iowa? That crabcake has to be a little sus.

What is your favorite number in the show and why?

I love the opening because it has almost every character in it. Most people come in don’t have the slightest what the show is about. Throughout the number it explains everything. I love getting to see the first few rows and their faces change as the number goes on.

Are you excited about bringing “Shucked” to the Hippodrome?

Absolutely! I grew up going to The Lyric and The Mechanic, but the Hippodrome wasn’t in operation maybe? It’ll be great to reconnect with family and friends who still live there and will be attending the show. But to be in Baltimore? That’s the cherry on top.

“Shucked” headlines The Hippodrome 4/1 – 4/6! Buy tix

Follow Erick on IG