'Hands on a Hardbody' drives to Broadway from La Jolla

The story of a strange real-life endurance contest staged by a Texas car dealership, "Hands on a Hardbody" follows 10 contestants through a war of attrition in pursuit of a new pickup truck based on their ability to satisfy the contest's rules (spelled out in the musical's title).

In his review, Times critic Charles McNulty described "Hands on a Hardbody" as "a Red State musical that Blue State audiences won't hate themselves for enjoying." McNulty went on to compare the production to the Broadway hit "Once," adding: "It's a relief to encounter a musical that isn't afraid to follow its own idiosyncratic vision."

Citing a few flaws in pacing, McNulty also sounded a bit prescient in his May 15 review. "This 'Hardbody' could still use an overhaul," he wrote. "But I wouldn't be surprised to find it parked on Broadway in the not-too-distant future."

"Hands on a Hardbody" is at the La Jolla Playhouse until June 17. Dates and casting for the Broadway production are still to come.

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