A brand new Broadway musical is opening this spring with a pretty interesting story line. Perhaps you have heard of the contests to win a prize, the challenge being you must keep your hand on something for hours and hours. As the contestants drop your odds improve. In this particular show the prize is a pick up truck and the contest takes place in Texas.
How will this play to the swankys of Metropolis? They will eat it with a spoon. Plus New Yorkers aren't the only ones in theaters- tourists love this stuff and this one is all for them. Based on S.R. Bindler's 1997 documentary of the same name, the musical features a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright ("I Am My Own Wife"), lyrics by Amanda Green ("Bring It On: The Musical") and music by Green and Trey Anastasio of Phish.
SAY WHAT?
Yup music by Phish guy Trey Anastasio who puts on the most horribly boring live shows of all time. How on Earth is he going to rustle up this hoe down? That alone is reason to give it a peek.
"Hands on a Hardbody," by Neil Pepe, had its premiere in May at the La Jolla Playhouse, which commissioned the show. The entire La Jolla cast, led by Keith Carradine and Hunter Foster, will follow the show to Broadway.
"The La Jolla Playhouse attraction feels pretty special in its unique flint integrity and wholesome earnestness. After a tune-up, this vehicle could be in for the long haul," Variety wrote. The Los Angeles Times wrote, "There's a refreshing emotional simplicity to this story."
The show is set to open March 21, 2012 at The Brooks Atkinson Theater.