For ten hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they'll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck in order to win it.
What Is the Story of Hands on a Hardbody?
Set on a sweltering Nissan car lot, Hands on a Hardbody tells the story of 10 working-class Texans who would do anything to win a new pick-up truck. Based on a real contest in Longview, Texas, the musical's competitors must stand in the sun for days on end with their hands on the truck—and the last person standing is the winner. We’re introduced to Kelli Mangrum, a dreamer who wants to sell the truck to move to L.A.; J.D. Drew, the oldest contestant; Norma Valverde, who relies on her faith in God to make it through the competition; and Benny Perkins, who has already won the contest once before, and more. As the battle for the truck continues for days, Hands on a Hardbody is an uplifting musical about fighting for a piece of the American dream.
"‘Hands on a Hardbody,’ a seemingly far-fetched stage show based on a documentary that features songs co-written by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, stars a modified Aztec red Nissan. By the end of the show, you'll swear that truck can dance."
Associated Press
Mark Kennedy
"The unpretentious integrity of the material, the straight-up presentation of the characters and the likable cast encourage you to root for them, yielding many affecting moments."
Hollywood Reporter
David Rooney
"Exuberant choral work stands out. Ditto the wistful ‘If I Had This Truck’ and nostalgic ‘Used to Be,’ which find the competitors looking forward and backward on their lives."
New York Daily News
Joe Dziemianowicz
"The skillful score, by Trey Anastasio of the indie jam-band Phish (music) and Amanda Green (music and lyrics), locks into a bluesy country-rock vibe early and hugs it tight."
The New York Times
Charles Isherwood
"There is a forceful empowerment number called ‘Stronger’ that's fabulously well performed by a very solid cast, highlighted by [Keala] Settle, whose performance is surely of premium octane…"
The Chicago Tribune
Chris Jones