Hands on a Hardbody, the musical about a sadistic contest where ten people try to win a pick-up truck by keeping their hands on it, has announced it’s closing on April 13th, after only 28 previews and 28 regular performances. In a way, the show dropped out early from the sadistic contest that is Broadway.
But three predictions for this tuneful show with music by Broadway newcomer Trey Anastasio, founding member of the band Phish:
1. There will be an original cast album.
2. The show will have a life in regional theater
3. The performers will find it easier to get their next jobs.
As the lyrics to “Keep Your Hands On It,” the finale in Hands on a Hardbody put it:
JUST CAUSE THE TENT IS GONE. THIS CONTEST IS FOR LIFE, AND IT GOES ON AND ON AND ON.
WE’RE ALL AROUND THE TRUCK HERE, THE BEST SOULS AND THE WORST.
SLACK-JAWED WITH EXCITEMENT JUST TO SEE WHO’LL DROP OFF FIRST.
THAT’S THE NATURE OF US CREATURES LIVING ON THIS PLANET EARTH. YOU’RE FIGHTING FOR YOUR BREATH
RIGHT FROM THE MOMENT OF YOUR BIRTH!
OOOOOOOOOOOO…..
OOOOOOOOOOOO….. OOOOOOOOOOOO….. OOOOOOOOOOOO….. OOOOOOOOOOOO…..”HANDS ON A HARDBODY”
SO IF YOU WANT SOMETHING KEEP YOUR HANDS ON IT!…DON’T LET GO
AND IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THEM….DON’T LET GO
IF YOU LOSE EVERYTHING…
DON’T LET GO!
Update April 9: Several people have mentioned that Allison Case Tweeted there WILL be an album. Here is here Tweet.
come feel the joy this week! we are closing on Saturday. Please come experience the show! It’s beautiful. Cast album coming. LOVE.
— allison case (@allisoncase) April 8, 2013
Here also her Tweeting a new rap video:
@bethenny we made a rap video to spread the word…please rt if you feel inspired to do so! youtube.com/watch?v=_htWQq…
— allison case (@allisoncase) April 6, 2013
Considering Allison Case tweeted almost as soon as the closing notice went up that there would be a cast album, I am astounded by your clairvoyance.
I just looked through her entire Twitter feed and don’t see it. Can you embed it for me in the comments here? She does mention a rap video.
Claudia, I see her Tweet now and have added it in an Update. Thanks for pointing it out. While there’s been no official announcement that I could find, I don’t think anybody would be surprised that they’ll be doing a cast album. (Indeed, people will be surprised if there isn’t one.)