HANDS ON A HARDBODY // PREMIERE

HANDS ON A HARDBODY // PREMIERE
By Amelia Webber

Theatre Tuscaloosa presents the Alabama premiere of Hands on a Hardbody Sept. 26 – Oct. 5 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus.
Written by Doug Wright, with lyrics by Amanda Green and music by Green and Trey Anastasio (member of the GRAMMY®-nominated band Phish), Hands on a Hardbody is based on the documentary film by S. R. Bindler and Kevin Morris. This new musical tells the story of ten hard-luck Texans who believe 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. In the hilarious, hard fought contest that is Hands on a Hardbody, only one winner can drive away with the American Dream. This musical comedy contains strong language and mild adult themes and may not be suitable for ages 12 and under; parental discretion is advised.
Hands on a Hardbody is directed by Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley.
“We are so excited to be the first theatre company to produce Hands on a Hardbody in Alabama,” Turley said. “Our audiences will fall in love with the down-home characters, and they will be singing the songs long after they leave the theatre.”
Working alongside Turley is a talented production team including Leslie Poss, Musical Director; Beth Key Patrick, Choreographer; Wheeler Kincaid, Technical Director and Scenic Designer; Jeanette Waterman, Costume Designer; David Jones, Lighting Designer; Frank Duren, Sound Designer; and Ashlyn Lambert, Stage Manager.
The cast of Hands on a Hardbody includes Justin Barnett, Sarah Kathryn Bonds, Clifton Daniels, Carol DeVelice, Craig First, Jamie Lynn Flacco, Ben Miller, Danielle K. Molina, Jenny Ryan, Danny Salter, Andrew Smith, Logan Spradley, George Thagard, Ernie Turley and Laura White.
New to Tuscaloosa and to the Bean-Brown Stage, cast member Jamie Lynn Flacco said she has enjoyed working with Theatre Tuscaloosa and becoming a part of this ‘talented and caring’ community.
“This is my first show with Theatre Tuscaloosa. I moved to Alabama about a year ago and got to perform in two shows with Birmingham Children’s Theatre last season,” Flacco said. “After seeing Hairspray this summer, I really wanted to find an opportunity to work with Theatre Tuscaloosa. Fortunately, I was a good fit for Hands on Hardbody and here I am working with them now.”
Flacco, who plays a character named Kelli Mangrum, said she believes audiences will be thoroughly entertained by Hands on a Hardbody.
“It’s a show that will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time,” she said.
Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014-15 Season: To Life! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by JamisonMoneyFarmer PC. Hands on a Hardbody is sponsored by Afflink, Buffalo Rock, Left Hand Soap Company and TownSquare Media Group. Additional season sponsors include AlabamaOne Credit Union, Warrior Roofing Manufacturing Co., TotalCom Marketing, Mercedes-Benz, f8 Productions, Southland Benefit Solutions, Ameriprise Financial and Bank of Tuscaloosa.
Hands on a Hardbody will be presented Sept. 26 — Oct. 5 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus, 9500 Old Greensboro Road. Performances will take place Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays and Wednesday at 2pm. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 pm, will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+) and $14 for students and children. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Season subscriptions, which can save patrons 15 percent on single ticket purchases, are still available for a limited time.
For more information about the 2014-15 season or to purchase tickets visit www.theatretusc.com or call 391.2277.