by Willie Caldwell – Learn about the LCT team of reviewers
Hands on a Hardbody drives home hard truths, hope, and redemption for 10 hard-luck Texans in Ensemble Theaters latest production. The country/rock musical by Doug Wright, with lyrics by Amanda Green and music by Trey Anastasio (of the band Phish) and Amanda Green. It is based on a 1997 documentary of the same name by S.R. Bindler. I attended a preview.
Hands on a Hardbody explores the lives of 10 characters from Longview, Texas as they try to win a Nissan “hardbody” pickup truck by being the last person standing. Following the course of 4 days under the searing Texas sun, the lives of each contestant are revealed through punchy musical numbers, an all-star ensemble cast, and a real truck right on stage.
Plot of Hands On a Hardbody
It’s a hard knock life for the residents of Longview, Texas as 10 strangers gather to compete in a contest to win a brand new Nissan “hardbody” pickup truck. The characters each share stories that are brought to life through country/rock musical numbers that explore a broken and beaten working middle class. As contestants begin to fall one-by-one, they explore stories of suicide, PTSD, violence, and drug use all while vying for a truck that will “change their lives.”
While the premise may be simple, the themes, stories, and songs are layered with class commentary, stories of redemption, love, and loss.
A Stand Out Ensemble Cast and Crew
True to Ensemble Theater’s namesake, the ensemble cast brings a ton of energy to the stage for over two hours. The characters are fully realized and each actor brings their own unique perspectives and abilities to their respective roles. The cast is rock solid in their performances to the point that I started rooting for some to win and hoping others would lose. Stand out performances include Deb G. Girdler as Janis Curtis and Jared Joplin as Benny Perkins. Joplin’s performance is so spot on that I actively developed a dislike of the character as the play went on.
Under the direction of D. Lynn Meyers, the cast unites splendidly to hit the highs and share in the lows of this small town where everyone seems to be out of luck and hoping for a miracle. Chaz Wolcott’s choreography is impressive, considering there is an actual 2 ton pickup truck on stage spinning and moving around with the actors. The numbers are effective without being overly dance-y. Thanks to Jacob Dowell’s technical direction, the truck takes on it’s own life as it becomes the centerpiece of the production.
The music is a backing track and the ensemble cast does a great job of listening to each other and working to stay together.
Amanda Green’s lyrics are a bit predictable and at times a little sophomoric, which is a comment more about the writing team than Ensemble’s production. Overall, the songs work well and work to keep the production moving forward.
Heartfelt and Enjoyable
Ensemble Theater is known for high quality theater that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics or themes. Hands On a Hardbody embodies the quality and experience and fans of Ensemble Theater have come to love. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, heartfelt production with capable talent and crew, come on down to the lot and take a gander at Hands on a Hardbody.
Tickets to Hands on a Hardbody
Hands on a Hardbody runs June 12th-30th at Cincinnati’s Ensemble Theater located at 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets can be purchased through the box office at www.ensemblecincinnati.org or by calling (513) 421-3555.
