What is the American dream? Some would say two kids, a house with a white picket fence, and a dog. In the musical Hands on a Hardbody, with book by Doug Wright and music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green paired with lyrics by Green, the American Dream is a “hardbody” or a little red pickup truck at the center of an intense contest put on by Floyd King Nissan in Longview, Texas. … While short-lived on Broadway, Keegan Theatre’s regional premiere of Hands on a Hardbody, directed by Elena Velasco and Mark A. Rhea, proves this musical is on its way to becoming a cult classic.
The essential cult classic musical formula is made of memorable characters and plenty of catchy tunes. Keegan Theatre’s production features a very talented cast who can not only carry those tunes but also bring humor and humility to their characters. Each contestant faces their own hardships and struggles. … The cast strikes a great balance between handling the seriousness and humor of Doug Wright’s book.
The music, directed by Jake Null, of Hands on a Hardbody calls back to the roots of the American songbook. Musical numbers are hypnotic to watch and pulse with influences of country, gospel music, blues, and a bit of an almost rockabilly edge. And yes, for those Phish fans, there are glimpses of the band’s influence especially with songs such as “If I Had This Truck” and “Human Drama Kind of Thing.”
Keegan Theatre’s Hands on a Hardbody is a contest worth watching.
