BennyCaden Casey
Hands on a Hardbody
Book by Doug Wright,
Lyrics by Amanda Green,
Music by Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green
October 7th-9th
Hope is a thing with tires in the Texas inspired musical, Hands on a Hardbody. Adapted from the terrific 1997 documentary by S.R. Binder, the musical weaves together the individual stories of a disparate group of characters whose collective goal is to win a brand- new pickup truck. The show, directed by Patrick Pearson, features a book by the Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright with lyrics by Amanda Green and music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green. Hands on a Hardbody will be presented by Sam Houston State University’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre in the Erica Starr Theatre October 7-9, 2021 with 7:30 p.m. showings each evening as well as a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee option.
With a bravado to match the gumption of its characters, a hard-pressed bunch of Texans hoping to beat the odds and win a truck in a grueling contest, Hands on a Hardbody drives onto stage without the high-gloss adornments that most musicals boast. Instead, it concentrates its energies on giving voice to a story of everyday people fighting to hold onto hope in the face of fierce economic headwinds and bad breaks, not to mention
buckling knees. The characters’ hearts may yearn to dance free, but they are forced by circumstances to stand still. The rules of the competition they have entered dictate that if they remove a hand from the truck thatgleams at center stage, they’ll lose their chance at the big prize. Choreographer, Kyle Craig-Bogard took on the challenge of infusing the show with movement while the cast members “keep their hands on it.” She says, “I see it as a chance to develop more creative choreography in the limitation that I am given. It’s fun to watch the cast work on the choreography as they try not to slip up and take their hand off the truck.”
Burrowing into the troubled hearts of its characters, it draws a clear-eyed portrait of an America that’s a far cry from the fantasyland of most commercial musicals. Hands on a Hardbody simply sings forth a story of endurance, hardship and the dimming American dream. The unpretentious integrity of the material, the straight-up presentation of the characters and the likable cast encourage you to root for them, yielding many affecting moments. The contest was an annual event run by a Nissan dealership in Longview, Texas where selected entrants vied to see who could remain upright with one hand planted on the prize for the longest time. Director, Patrick Pearson grew up in Longview and remembers the contest taking place there. He says, "These characters are just doing the best they can, under very trying circumstances. The musical showcases the power of hope, heart and tenacity."
Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance, $15 at the door. SHSU faculty and staff can get one free ticket when booking online. SHSU students can obtain one free ticket the week of the show when booking online. Visit www.shsutickets.com to acquire your tickets online. For ticket information, please email the box office at tickets@shsu.edu or call us at 936-294-2339.
The Erica Starr Theatre is located in the University Theatre Center at 1740 Bobby K. Marks Drive and 17th street between the Newton Gresham Library and the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center.
Dramaturgy
Converge - to come together and unite in a common interest or focus.
“While most of us regard a fork in the road as an either/or proposition – left or right? – Trey Anastasio instead sees a convergence of opportunities” (Concord Theatricals).
Convergence. There may not be a better word for describing the coming together of the creative team of Hands on a Hardbody - a rock star, a prize-winning dramatist, and a spitfire Broadway lyricist. The team-up is peculiar and unexpected. The same is true for the down-on-their-luck characters that assemble for the opportunity to win a Nissan Hardbody truck in Longview, Texas.
Discover more about this unconventional artistic team and the characters fighting for the American Dream as they all converge in one creative moment to bring us Hands On a Hardbody the Musical.
"Notable Characteristics & The Big 5" Dramaturgical Significance in HOHB by Carey Chuter
Hands on a Hardbody Production Casebook by Carey Chuter
Meet the Cast & Creatives
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Norma
JD
Kelli
Greg
Ronald
Janis
Chris
Jesús
Heather
Cindy
Mike
Virginia
Frank
Don/US Jesus
Dr.Stokes/Pit Singer/US Ronal/US FrankCaden Casey
Benny
Caden is a junior musical theatre major from Bastrop, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Schroeder in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Officer Southern in Sister Act. Upon graduation, Caden plans to pursue a career in acting and voice.
Glendaliris Torres Greaux
Norma
Glendaliris is a junior musical theatre major living in Katy, Texas but originally, she is from Puerto Rico. SHSU audiences may remember her as Asaka in Once on this Island, and Lula Buffington/Almeta/Bus Passenger in Violet. Upon graduation, Glendaliris plans to pursue a career in performance and choreography.
Bryce Ray
JD
Bryce is a senior musical theatre major from Georgetown, Texas. SHSU audience may remember him as Young Prince Edward/Messenger 2 in Richard III. At other institutions, he has appeared as Arpad in She Loves Me, and as an ensemble member in The Little Mermaid and Annie Get Your Gun. Upon graduation, Bryce plans to pursue a career in acting.
Riley Surgue
Kelli
Riley is a senior from Austin, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Kari in The Pavilion and as an ensemble member in Assassins. At other institutions, she has appeared as Roxie Hart in Chicago, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown and as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins. Upon graduation, Riley plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Saroa-Dwayne Sasa
Greg
Saroa-Dwayne is a sophomore musical theatre major from Pflugerville, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember his as a member of the ensemble in Sonnets for an Old Century. Upon graduation, Saroa-Dwayne plans to pursue a career in acting.
Brandon Michael Lozano
Ronald
Brandon is a junior musical theatre major from Round Rock, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Agwe in Once on this Island and an ensemble member in Let Me Down Easy. At other institutions, he has appeared as King Triton in The Little Mermaid, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, and as Banquo in Macbeth. Upon graduation, Brandon plans to pursue a career in acting, directing, and casting.
Mac Hardy
Janis
Mac is a senior musical theatre major from Spring, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Murderer 2/Lord Mayor/Vaughn/Citizen in Richard III, and as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century and Heathers. In addition, while at SHSU Mac was the assistant stage manager for Silence, and the light board operator for The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time. At other institutions, she has appeared as JoJo in Seussical The Musical, Miss Skillon in See How They Run, and as Nan/Sally in Quilters. Upon graduation, Mac plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Jordan Okeke
Chris
Jordan is a freshman musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! Upon graduation, Jordan plans to pursue a career in acting.
David Quiroz
Jesús
David is a senior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as an ensemble member/cop in Footloose and as an ensemble member/President Ford in Assassins. Upon graduation, David plans to pursue a career in performance and musical theatre.
Nikki Kimbrell
Heather
Nikki is a senior musical theatre major from Lewisville, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her from the radio plays Santa Claus Sits Down as Josephine, and as Wife/Girl in Six Shooter. She has also appeared as the Narrator in The Pavilion. Upon graduation, Nikki plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Cara DeGaish
Cindy
Cara is a junior musical theatre major from Portland, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Marianne in Constellations, Roman Woman/Mrs. Revere in Santa Claus Sits Down, and as Woman in The Six Shooter. Upon graduation, Cara plans to pursue a career in acting and videography.
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Drew Ritch
Mike
Drew is a junior musical theatre major from Cypress, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Rivers in Richard III, Virgil/Billy Dean/Ensemble in Violet, and as Boy/Peter in Dust. At other insititutions, he has appeared as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, and as Ren in Footloose. Upon graduation, Drew plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Maddie Brimmer
Virgina
Maddie is a junior musical theatre major from Austin, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as a member of the ensemble in Loves Labors Lost. At other institutions, she has appeared as Mildred in Fahrenheit 451. Upon graduation, Maddie plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Eric Larson
Frank
Eric is a sophomore musical theatre major from Austin, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island and as a member of the ensemble in Let Me Down Easy. At other institutions, he has appeared as Edward Bloom in Big Fish, Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia and as Usnavi in In the Heights. Upon graduation, Eric plans to pursue a career in acting, and design.
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Nicolas Antonio
Don (Understudy Jesus)
Nicolas is a senior musical theatre major from Pearland, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island and as a member of the ensemble in Heathers and as the assistant stage manager for The Pavilion. At other institutions, he has appeared as the Younger Brother in Ragtime, and as a member of the ensemble in Memphis & Amadeus. Upon graduation, Nicolas plans to pursue a career in acting.
Armani Brown
Dr. Stokes/Pit Singer (Understudy Ronald)
Armani is a sophomore musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island. At other institutions, he has appeared as Frank/Headband Boy in A Chorus Line, a Wickersham Brother in Seussical The Musical, and was an ensemble member in Ragtime and Oklahoma!. Upon graduation, Armani plans to pursue a career in acting.
Pit Singer/US Mike/Chris/Dr. Stokes
Pit Singer/US Virginia/Janis
Pit Singer/US Benny/JD
Pit Singer/US Heather/Cindy
Pit Singer/US Norma/Kelli
Pit Singer/US Greg/Don/Frank
Assistant Director
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Bryce Cooper
Pit Singer (US Mike, Chris, Dr. Stokes)
Bryce is a junior musical theatre major from Pearland, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions he has appeared as Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Enoch Snow Jr. in Carousel, and was a member of the ensemble in Mamma Mia. Upon graduation, Bryce plans to pursue a career in acting.
Elizabeth Cooper
Pit Singer (US Virginia, Janis)
Lizzie is a sophomore musical theatre major from Spring, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Archbishop/Scrivener/Cardinal/Priest in Richard III. At other institutions, she has appeared as Sarah in Children of a Lesse
Jacob Cummings
Pit Singer (US Benny, JD)
Jake is a sophomore musical theatre major from Pearland, Texas. His SHSU credits include The Christmas Radio Plays. At other institutions, he has appeared as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, Mark in RENT, AND Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Upon graduation, Jake plans to pursue a career in musical direction.
Elliett Hanes
Pit Singer (US Heather/Cindy) Dance Captain
Elliett is a junior musical theatre major from Victoria, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Young Violet in Violet and as an ensemble member in Heathers. At other institutions, she has appeared as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Ali in Mamma Mia, and as Jan in Grease. Upon graduation, Elliett plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Fernanda Schoening Verlez
Pit Singer (US Norma, Kelli)
Fernanda is a sophomore musical theatre major from The Woodlands, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as one of the storytellers in Once on this Island. At other institutions, she has appeared as Mimi in Rent, Carrie in Carrie, Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, and Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show. Upon graduation, Fernanda plans to pursue a career in acting.
Jalen Tinsely
Pit Singer (US Greg, Don, Frank)
Jalen is a freshman musical theatre major from Tyler, Texas. This is his debut to the SHSU stage! At other institutions, he has appeared as Willard in Footloose, A-rab in West Side Story, and Amos in Chicago. Upon graduation, Jalen plans to pursue a career in acting.
Mac Hardy
Janis
Mac is a senior musical theatre major from Spring, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as Murderer 2/Lord Mayor/Vaughn/Citizen in Richard III, and as an ensemble member in Sonnets for an Old Century and Heathers. In addition, while at SHSU Mac was the assistant stage manager for Silence, and the light board operator for The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time. At other institutions, she has appeared as JoJo in Seussical The Musical, Miss Skillon in See How They Run, and as Nan/Sally in Quilters. Upon graduation, Mac plans to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Javon Rougely
Assistant Director
Javon is a junior theatre major from Texas City, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as the stage manager for Cry It Out, Once on This Island, and the assistant stage manager for Violet and Sweat. Upon graduation, Javon plans to pursue a career in directing and higher education.
Jenna Eveleth
Stage Manager
Jenna is a senior theatre major from Austin, Texas. Her SHSU credits include stage manager for The Pavilion, assistant stage manager for Almost, Maine and the dramaturg for Sonnets for an Old Century. At other institutions, she has appeared as Dotty in Noises Off, Tami in Falling, and Millie McIvor in The Small World of Millie McIvor. Upon graduation, Jenna plans to pursue a career in education.
Zoë Perry
Assistant Stage Manager
Zoë is a sophomore theatre major from Frisco, Texas. This is her first production to participate in at SHSU. At other institutions, she has appeared as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka: The Musical, and as Freda Benson in The Life & Death of Larry Benson. Upon graduation, Zoë plans to pursue a career in theatre education and professional technical work.
Sapphire Washington
Assistant Stage Manager
Sapphire is a junior theatre major from Missouri City, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember her as a member of the ensemble in Town Hall. At other institutions, she has appeared as Normal Jean and Miss Pat in The Colored Museum, Angel in Blues for an Alabama Sky, Nobody in DO NOT GO GENTLE, and William Henry Brown in The African Company presents Richard III. Upon graduation Sapphire plans to pursue a career in acting and activism.
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Mayson Ferree
Assistant Stage Manager
Mayson is a junior theatre major from Little River Academy, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as Jason in Sweat. Upon graduation, Mayson plans to pursue a career in acting and directing
Claudia Brown
Assistant Stage Manager
Claudia is a junior theatre major from Houston, Texas. This is their first production to participate in at SHSU. At other institutions, they have been the lighting designer for The Carriers, sound designer for Holy Ghosts, and the assistant sound designer for All the Devils are Here: A Tempest in the Galapagos. Upon graduation, Claudia plans to pursue a career in design and stage management.
Eric Larson
Frank
Eric is a sophomore musical theatre major from Austin, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island and as a member of the ensemble in Let Me Down Easy. At other institutions, he has appeared as Edward Bloom in Big Fish, Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia and as Usnavi in In the Heights. Upon graduation, Eric plans to pursue a career in acting, and design.
"
Nicolas Antonio
Don (Understudy Jesus)
Nicolas is a senior musical theatre major from Pearland, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island and as a member of the ensemble in Heathers and as the assistant stage manager for The Pavilion. At other institutions, he has appeared as the Younger Brother in Ragtime, and as a member of the ensemble in Memphis & Amadeus. Upon graduation, Nicolas plans to pursue a career in acting.
Armani Brown
Dr. Stokes/Pit Singer (Understudy Ronald)
Armani is a sophomore musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. SHSU audiences may remember him as a storyteller in Once on this Island. At other institutions, he has appeared as Frank/Headband Boy in A Chorus Line, a Wickersham Brother in Seussical The Musical, and was an ensemble member in Ragtime and Oklahoma!. Upon graduation, Armani plans to pursue a career in acting.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Music Director, Dr. Laura Avery Conductor, Dr. Laura Avery
Assistant to the Music Director, Colton Daniel
Rehearsal Pianist, Dr. David Fleming
Costume Design, Kris Hanssen
Lighting Design, Eric Marsh
Scenic Design, Nicholas Graves
Sound Design, Isaiah Parnell & Jay Salazar
Costume Shop Supervisor, George Curry
Technical Director, Craig Brossman
Theatre Manager, Katie Prior
Box Office Manager, James Shields
ORCHESTRA
Keyboard 1, Ben Childress
Keyboard 2, Sarah Spencer
Percussion, Dr. Luke Hubley
Bass, Alan Simmons
Guitar 1, George Heathco
Guitar 2, Robbie Kuecker
Violin and Mandolin, Zach Montasser
Cello, Marilyn Krase