Get those minds outta the gutter, y’all… This is a musical about a hardbody truck.
Based on true events featured in a 1997 documentary of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody is the musical journey of 10 souls seeking salvation and a free truck: the symbol of a better life. In order to attain that, all they have to do is be the last one standing in a contest of endurance held at their local Longview, Texas, Nissan. The Sheri Lee Miller-helmed dramedy runs at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park through March 1.
Featuring many Spreckels regulars as well as some refreshing new faces, Hardbody brings together a diverse, though thinly written, group of characters who sing about their deepest desires and darkest thoughts, all while keeping one hand on the titular hardbody at all times.
Some characters are underdeveloped and aren’t very memorable. As a singing ensemble, the cast sounds fantastic and supports one another beautifully throughout. A live orchestra under the direction of Lucas Sherman sounded great. Though between them being set onstage with the action and the actor’s mics, a lot of the songs in the first act were overpowered and many lyrics lost.
The songs themselves can be very memorable, with the standouts being showstopper “Joy of the Lord,” led by Serena Elize Flores, and “Stronger,” performed with heartfelt emotion by Jake Druzgala as Chris. Other notable vocals, and sweet chemistry, come from Mallory Gold and Orion Pudoff in the beautiful, “I’m Gone.”
However, the show belongs to Flores as Norma, a woman of unrelenting faith. Flores has the strong vocals to carry the deeper feelings she’s living onstage straight to one’s heart. She makes one feel what would happen to their body if they were indeed to stand and barely sleep for five days. By the end of the show, it’s obvious who the winner should be.
Flores’ efforts are matched by Keith Baker as antagonist Benny. While he benefits from being the main character, Baker is full of strong choices and commitment that often carry all of the show’s momentum. His voice sounds like early Blake Shelton, and he never takes a moment for granted. Both Flores and Baker are veteran performers, carry the ensemble and never let up.
These strong performances alone make Hardbody worth one’s time.
‘Hands on a Hardbody’ runs through March 1 in the Codding Theater at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $16–$44. 707.588.3400. spreckelsonline.com.
