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By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

HANDS ON A HARDBODY presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through June 30th. I attended the Opening Sunday matinee performance. NOTE: At this performance, Sara Mackie and KG Rucker went on as Janis Curtis and Frank Nugent, respectively. 

The cast of Hands on a Hardbody presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is closing out their 2023-2024 with a show they produced a decade ago: Tony-nominated HANDS ON A HARDBODY. Featuring book by Doug Wright, Lyrics by Amanda Green, and Music by both Phish frontman Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green, HARDBODY is inspired by the true events of the 1997 documentary of the same name. 10 hard-on-their-luck Texans are chosen at random to compete for a brand new truck by keeping at least one hand on the vehicle in order to win it. What follows is funny and touching journey rife with catchy tunes. 

Under the direction of D. Lynn Meyers, a formidable cast does it utmost to sing their way into our hearts. Ms. Meyers knows how to put together some of the best casts in Cincinnati theatre and this one is no exception. Music Director extraordinaire Steve Goers works his magic on the beautiful harmonies the cast takes on. His work with the singers brings out the perfect emotional setting for each and every song which is no small task. Choreography by Chaz Wolcott is smart, extremely creative, and holds its own as both enhancement to the characters’ stories as well as being a character by itself. Bravx to this incredible creative team!

A lovely problem to have a reviewer is when you find it hard only to mention certain artists. When a show boasts the talents of Jamie Cordes, Denise Devlin, Phil Fiorini, Annie Fitzpatrick, Jim Hopkins, Jared Joplin, Sara Mackie (performing for Deb G. Girdler), Andrew Maloney, Deondra Kamau Means, Patrick Earl Phillips, KG Rucker (performing for Michael G. Bath), Brooke Steele, Franco Valerga, Aleah Vassell, and Kate Wilford, you know you are in for a feast for the senses. But I shall try to cite specific examples.

Two words: Jared Joplin. We all know Mr. Joplin has one of most melodic speaking voices in theatre – but did you know the man can wail? As previous hardbody winner Benny Perkins, he gives us strong, incredible vocals coupled with an acting turn which will send your heart on a roller coaster of emotions. I’d imagine this has to be an exhausting role to play, but it must also be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling. Perfect execution at its finest. (And for the record, I didn’t have “Jared Joplin executes perfect choreography mimicking bull-riding on the bed of truck” on my 2024 Bingo card, but here we are. Thank you for that, Mr. Wolcott.)

Speaking of incredible vocals, may I mention Aleah Vassell in the role of Norma Valverde? Not only does Mx. Vassell have an incredible gift of song, they possess an impressive set of acting skills as well. Norma is a generally happy, positive character – but days in the Texas heat with your hands on a scorching truck will get to just about anyone. Mx. Vassell expertly navigates their character’s arc with grace and grit.

I did not have the pleasure of seeing ETC’s original go at HANDS ON A HARDBODY – but I am secure in stating that even if you did, you should see this one. With an entertaining and engaging story, stellar performances, and atypical musical music (read: actually good), it is a win-win. Further, you will not leave the theatre in anything but a better mood than when you entered. In what is ultimately a story of perseverance, we are reminded how much human beings have in common, no matter how different we may seem.

Click here for more information about the production.