Hands on a Hardbody Revs Up at Wasatch Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah

By Brian Gray

Hands on a Hardbody is a rollicking rock/country musical brought to Salt Lake City by Wasatch Theatre Company. Based off of a 1997 documentary, Hands on a Hard Body by S.R. Bindler, this play adds music by Amanda Green and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio to a story about hope, desperation, the American Dream, and Texas culture. Taking place in the 90s in a Longview, Texas Nissan dealership, ten contestants come together for a contest of endurance that requires them to keep their hands on a pickup truck. They are not allowed to sit, squat, or lie down except during brief breaks every six hours. The last person standing wins the hardbody pickup truck. Each contestant has their own unique background and story drawn out over the course of the contest, which ultimately lasts over 90 hours. Each story highlights Texas culture and desperation in the flailing economy of the small Texas town. The contest is reminiscent of Depression Era dance marathons, where the last dancers standing would leave with a substantial amount of money while others left with nothing. Throughout the contest, each contestant cracks in their own way, either through mania, sleep deprivation, or frustration.

If pressed to determine the main character, this would likely be Benny, played by John Patrick McKenna, a previous winner who has come back to reclaim another truck after some personal setbacks. Benny introduces the contest, and forms an alliance with J.D., played by Paul Naylor, to help him through the duration of the contest. Benny is a villain of sorts, playing off the emotions of the contestants, taunting them and encouraging them to drop out in the number “Hunt with the Big Dogs.” Opposite Benny is Norma, played by Casey Matern, a God-fearing woman who believes she has the Lord on her side throughout the contest. The most memorable numbers, such as “Joy of the Lord” originate for Norma, strongly carried by Matern’s solid singing talent and backup from the cast. “Joy of the Lord” is abruptly interrupted by Chris, played by Derek Gregerson, a Marine vet who has returned from one of the various wars that the U.S. was engaged in at the time (the Gulf War, Iraqi-Kurdish Civil War, Afghan Civil War?) who is exhausted with overzealous proselytizers. Through the song “Stronger,” we discover that his frustration isn’t necessarily with Norma, but, rather, the expectations of war veterans returning home and receiving little-to-no recognition and unable to support a family, reduced to endurance contests such as this one. “Born in Loredo” is another standout song from the musical, performed by Jesus, played by John Valdez. Jesus is a Latino contestant who is approached by Cindy, played by Cheryl Holdaway, informing him that that she’ll need to see his “Carte Verde” if he wins. Jesus, in fluent English, informs Cheryl that he was born in Loredo and is every bit as American and every inch as Texan as she is. This is especially poignant, given the current border controversy stoked by the 2016 elections.

This Wasatch Theatre production, directed by Jonathon Mark and Jim Martin, is backed up by a small live band, led by Anne Puzey. For musicals, there’s little substitution for a live band, which enhances the overall experience. While the space is limited and the production budget fairly small, the band is solid throughout the production, emphasizing and complementing the play throughout without drowning out the voices of the performers.

This isn’t a large-budget production, but the intimacy of the space and the talent of the performers provides no less of a captivating experience. This production stretches the creativity to ensure a quality production. For example, the set, by Madeline Ashton, substitutes a real Nissan truck for a one constructed out of 2x4s and dinner trays. Yet, the simulacrum of a truck is a reflection of the American dream itself in the 20^th and 21^st Century: a truck without an engine; an idea without substance; an object out of reach of those who are left behind by a fluctuating economy. Furthermore, each actor brings something special to their unique character that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

If you are in search of a very real and authentic story with catchy music, then Hands on a Hardbody at Wasatch Theatre is your play. The seating is small, and I anticipate this production selling out quickly, so don’t wait to get your tickets. If you are unfamiliar with the location of Wasatch Theatre, arrive early, and park at the Gateway. I would recommend this play for audiences over the age of 13.