STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights of HANDS ON A HARDBODY at Unicorn Theatre

Hands on a Hardbody is a new rock musical about 10 Texans whose new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end and armed with nothing but hope and ambition, they'll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. In this hard-fought contest, only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Check out a first look at highlights below!

Hands on a Hardbody is more than a musical about winning a truck -- it is based on the true events of the acclaimed 1997 documentary by S.R. Bindler and Kevin Morris. It is a remarkable study of competition, camaraderie, faith and determination -- the ultimate human drama. The musical features a book by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens) and music by Trey Anastasio (the frontman of Phish) andAmanda Green (Tony-nominated composer/lyricist), and lyrics by Amanda Green (Bring It On, High Fidelity). The production features a massive cast of 15 with powerhouse voices belting memorable songs, including "I'm Gone," "Stronger," "Hands on a Hardbody" and "Keep Your Hands On It" accompanied by a five-piece live band onstage with the actors. This musical, fresh from Broadway, received three Tony Award nominations in 2013.

Featuring: Marc Liby as J.D., Sara Kennedy as Kelli, Tim Scott as Benny, Daniel Beeman as Greg, Shea Coffman as Chris, Sam Salary as Ronald, Jessalyn Kincaid as Heather, Julie Shaw as Virginia, Matthew James McAndrews as Mike, Trista Smith as Cindy, Francisco Javier Villegas as Jesus, Victoria Barbee as Norma, Cathy Barnett as Janis, Vincent Onofrio Monachino as Frank and Martin Buchanan as Don/Dr. Stokes.

Hands on a Hardbody is on Unicorn Theatre's Levin Stage located at 3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. The show runs today, September 3rd - 28th, 2014. Previews are September 3rd, 4th and 5th. Opening Night is September 6th.

Performances run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Pay What U Can performances. Talk back performances, where patrons are encouraged to stay after the show and discuss the play with the actors and director, are scheduled for September 9th, 14th and 21st.

Tickets are now on sale. Call 816-531-PLAY (7529) EXT. 10, go online at www.UnicornTheatre.org or buy in person at the box office located at 3828 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Special discounts are available for seniors (65+), students, and patrons under age 30.

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