July 10 – August 16, 2006

Director: Thomas C. Graff
Choreagrapher/Asst. Directer: Teri Berardino Newman
Music Directer: Cyndy Ramsey-Rier

Title Sponsor: Lakewood Center Associates
Music Sponsor: The Portland Spirit

For tickets CLICK HERE

When an auto dealership in Longview, TX, launches an endurance contest, ten economically strapped strangers embark on a journey that tests their hearts, minds, and bodies. The contestant who keeps at least one hand on a brand-new hardbody truck the longest gets to drive it off the lot. What initially seems like a mere publicity stunt soon becomes a soul-baring battle of wills. Only one can win, but for all involved, the truck holds the key to their own private American dream.

The mix of people in this contest includes: an unlikeable prior winner who is a bit racist; the son of an immigrant who wants to be a veterinarian; a USMC veteran; an older woman (with her husband for support) who really needs the money; a Texas evangelical; a beauty queen; an older man (and his wife as support) who is recovering from a fall from a big rig; and a few other folks. The backstory involves the faltering dealership, lack of sales, and unethical behavior by some of the staff.

The ensemble includes Melissa Gale, Derek Gregerson, Kate Potter, Mike Dederian, Andrew Stoffers, Victoria Garcia, Sam Babst, Danny Caputo, Mary Compton, Evan Tait, RJ Tofte, Bryan Durden, Jody Allen, Margo Schembre, and Jason Nuesa.

Artistic Staff: Hands on a Hardbody is directed by Thomas C. Graff. Cyndy Ramsey-Rier serves as the music director, while Teri Barardino Newman serves as the choreographer and assistant director. Kendra Comerford is the stage manager, Marcus Storey is the sound designer, Bill Burbach is the set designer, Nikki Paulson is the costume designer, Ian Anderson-Priddy is the lighting designer, and Allen R. Phillips designs the properties. Steve Knox is the producer.