The Barn Theatre School to Stage HANDS ON A HARDBODY This August

Truckin' on to the Barn Theatre stage is Rex Smith starring in HANDS ON A HARDBODY! Playing August 11 - 23.

The Barn Theatre School is thrilled to welcome Broadway and Television star Rex Smith to portray J.D. Drew, a "good old boy" in Longview, Texas who decides to compete in an infamous, annual contest in which ten people vie to keep at least one hand on a truck. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, only the last-man-standing will drive away with the American Dream: a brand new NissanHardbody. They hang on as hours turn to days and as the details of their lives emerge in song, with a score that ranges through country and rock, blues and gospel and Latin sounds. The diverse styles in music reflect the melting pot of characters within the show, coming from different ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. For these ten hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it.

Alongside Rex Smith, the cast will feature returning Barn favorites Eric Parker as Benny Perkins, Penelope Alex as Virginia Drew, Charlie King as Don Curtis, Kevin Robert White as Mike Ferris, Brooke Evans as Cindy Barnes, Samantha Rickard as Kelli Mangrum, Michael Tuck as Chris Alvaro, Bethany Edlund as Heather Stovall, and Jamey Grisham as Frank Nugent. The cast also includes second year apprentices Brandon Michaud as Greg Wilhote and Jackie Gubow as Janis Curtis, as well as first year apprentices Cody Stiglich as Jesus Pena, LaRon Hudson as Ronald McCowan, Dani Apple as Norma Valverde, and Alexander Ghattas as Doctor Stokes.

HANDS ON A HARDBODY is based on S.R. Bindler's odd and wonderful 1997 documentary of the same name, which follows the history of the 20-year-old competition and its tragic discontinuation. It was then adapted into a musical by Pulitzer-winning playwright Doug Wright. With the team of Wright, Amanda Green, and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio the show opened on Broadway in March of 2013.

Performances for HANDS ON A HARDBODY are August 11 - 23, Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $37 for all performances. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Group rates available. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Click on the Box Office link. Tickets may now be purchased on the internet or on your smart phone via PayPal. To reserve tickets at the Box Office - Call today: (269) 731-4121.

CAST BIOS:

Rex Smith, Guest Star - JD Drew

The Barn is thrilled to welcome guest star Rex Smith! Rex is an international platinum recording artist and veteran of stage and screen, with notable Broadway starring roles in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, where Rex received the Theatre World Award, GREASE, GRAND HOTEL, SUNSET BOULEVARD, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, KISS ME KATE, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL. Television and feature film starring roles include Street Hawk, As the World Turns, Solid Gold, features in Once in a Lifetime, Passion to Kill, Ballerina And The Blues, Daredevil, The Sentinel, JAG, Baywatch, Caroline In The City, Pope Dreams, and Cats Dancing On Jupiter. Concert venues include Araneta Coliseum, The Hard Rock Café, The Big-E State Fair, the "Original Idols", and Jim Brickman's Love Tour. www.facebook.com/RealRexSmith ; twitter@RealRexSmith. www.rexsmith.com

Penelope Alex, Virginia Drew

After 29 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn's quintessential leading lady. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances. Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA (both opposite Robert Newman), Mona in last season's THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Penelope has three film performances in various stages of post-production: Selling Stupid, Chance of Rain, and as Cary Elwes' ex-wife in Cawdor. Last December she was thrilled to direct the second annual Barn Christmas Cabaret. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (20), Calli (18), Jacob (15), and Melina (11). Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season's apprentice company as Barn Theatre School Dean. She's a native of San Jose, CA, and is a proud alum of San Jose State University.

Eric Parker, Benny Perkins

Eric's 22-season Barn career has provided him with an artistic home and a wide and varied resume, with Wilde Award-nominated turns in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and SUNSET BOULEVARD followed by favorites such as Melvin in last summer's THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, the title role in SHREK, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Valjean in LES MISERABLES, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. His career continued there with almost a dozen roles in their TYA and mainstage productions. Regional: THE THING ABOUT MEN, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, A FUNNY THING...FORUM, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour.) As a director, Eric has staged well-received Barn productions of WEST SIDE STORY, JOSEPH..., DON'T DRINK THE WATER, TARZAN, and last season's revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as well as acclaimed productions of FATHER OF THE BRIDE, CARRIE, RING OF FIRE, AVENUE Q, three go-'rounds of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and a recent hit INTO THE WOODS at the Croswell Opera House in his hometown of Adrian. Eric trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Siena Heights University in his hometown. Eric has several film, television, and local commercial credits and is one of the many Barnies featured in the Cannes-bound CAWDOR.

MICHAEL TUCK, Chris Alvaro

Michael is so excited to be returning the Barn! Michael first appeared at the Barn as an apprentice our 2008 season. You may recall him in some of his favorite roles such as Tony in WEST SIDE STORY and Marius in LES MISERABLES. Other roles would include Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN, Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, and Abraham in ALTAR BOYZ. Michael is currently based in New York City and remains very active in staged readings. Most recently, he has contributed to the new musical Spot On The Wall and Illa: A Hip Hop Musical, both of which will be featured in the upcoming New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Samantha Rickard, Kelli Mangrum

Samantha is thoroughly overjoyed to be returning to the Barn for her third season and first year in the Equity Company! Previous credits at the Barn include: DEATHTRAP (Myra Bruhl), THE WEDDING SINGER (Holly), LEGALLY BLONDE (Pilar), SPAMALOT, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, 42ND STREET, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, PETER PAN and SHREK THE MUSICAL. She has also performed in both of the Barn's Christmas shows, and can be seen in the upcoming film CAWDOR. Samantha received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University. Many thanks to the Ragotzy family for this wonderful opportunity and her mom and grandmother for their endless love and support.

KEVIN Robert White, Mike Ferris

Kevin is thrilled to return to the Barn for his seventh summer! Kevin spent the majority of last fall touring with "The Water Coolers" where he is music director, pianist, and vocalist. In New York, Kevin has been involved with several workshops and readings of new musicals! Credits include Paul in SPOT ON THE WALL, Aesop in AESOP'S FABLES, Aiden in ONE WORD REVOLUTION, and most recently Young Actor in, fellow Barnie, Jamey Grisham's musical GOOD GIRLS ONLY. Last season, Kevin was seen as Motel, the tailor, in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Alistair, the decorator, in MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM, and Berger, the drugged-out hippie in HAIR! Other favorite roles at the Barn include Joseph in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Huck in BIG RIVER, Mark in RENT, Max in LEND ME A TENOR, Dr. Frankenstein in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, and Lord Farquaad in SHREK. Kevin is also Music Director and Pianist for the famous BAR SHOW after each mainstage performance. Thanks must be given to his family for their never ending love and encouragement, and the Ragotzys for making the Barn Theatre a home away from home! Special thanks to Nana for providing the best housing in Michigan!

Bethany Edlund, Heather Stovall

Bethany is so excited to return to the Barn as part of the Equity company! Some of her favorite Barn roles include Inga in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Louise in THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, Brooke Wyndham in LEGALLY BLONDE, Lydia in SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD, Columbia in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Maggie in 42ND STREET. She was also a cast member of the recent film Cawdor, filmed here at the Barn, which will have a limited release later this fall - so keep a look out! She spends the winter in New York pounding the pavement and doing improv comedy at The PIT. "Special thanks to my family for their support; my friends for laughing at all of my bad jokes; and the Ragotzy's, for continuously hiring such a dork. Love you guys!"

BROOKE EVANS, Cindy Barnes

It's been 15 years since Brooke first stepped onto The Barn Theatre's stage, and 5 years since the last time. She has performed in 26 main stage productions and is thrilled to be back for her 6th season. (She also hates math so that's enough with the numbers!) She made the trip from New York to Augusta this past winter to join in the holiday fun as part of our Christmas Cabaret to the audience's delight. Some of her favorite Barn roles include Vicki in THE FULL MONTY, Amneris in AIDA, Fastrada in PIPPIN, The Narrator in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING...., Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, the Wardrobe in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Ursula in THERE GOES THE BRIDE, and her very first role: the hospital Matron in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. In the last two years, Brooke has produced and performed two of her own cabarets, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR and SO CLOSE, in her home state of Pennsylvania and performed in an experimental Shakespearean production called BASTARD BLOOD in New York. She is currently working on her first NY cabaret.

Jamey Grisham, Frank Nugent

Jamey is ecstatic to embark on his 8th stupendous season at the Barn. An Equity Resident, some of his favorite personations on the Barn stage include the title role in TARZAN, Claude in HAIR, Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Robert Newman, Billy in 42ND STREET, Pinocchio in SHREK, Warner in LEGALLY BLONDE, George in THE WEDDING SINGER, and Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. He spent his winter in Southwest Michigan choreographing the second annual Barn Theatre Christmas Cabaret and starring in AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo. Off-Broadway: Blessed Unrest (Company Member). Regional: Trinity Repertory Company, Secret Theatre, Chicago Humanities Festival, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street, Alabama Ballet, Pied Piper Playhouse, Perishable Theatre, Brown University (TAPS), and Workhorse Theatre Ensemble. Film: CAWDOR (starring Cary Elwes). A published composer and musician, Jamey has devised original music for TWELFTH NIGHT, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE MAIDS, SAINT JOAN OF THE STOCKYARDS, VIEUX CARRÉ, and LOOK HOMEWARD, ANGEL. He also continues development for his first full-length musical, GOOD GIRLS ONLY, in collaboration with Charles Leipart, John Kroner, Eric Scott Reed, and The Rehearsal Club of NYC under the presidency of Blythe Danner. GGO is currently a finalist for 6 different festivals including The Sundance Institute Theatre Lab and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. Jamey is an active member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the Associated Musicians of Greater New York (Local 802 AFM). Training: LAMDA, Roosevelt University (BFA), and Brown University (MFA, Stephen Sondheim Fellow). Thanks to the About Artists Agency, the Artists Entertainment Agency, and my incredible family. www.jameygrisham.com

Charlie King, Don Curtis

Charlie is pickled tink to be back on Barn time. He apprenticed from '91-'94 where he played such roles as Big Six in CITY OF ANGELS, Big Jule in GUYS & DOLLS, and Big Apostle in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Some of his favorite roles at the Barn include Great Grandpa Alphonse in ESCANABA IN LOVE, Earthquake McGoon in LIL ABNER, Max Reinhardt in SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD, the Narrator in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and Dirty Dave Rudabaugh in the world premiere of BILLY THE KID. Charlie was delighted to add his banjo, mandolin, and harmonica to the Barn's 2009 production of BIG RIVER. He has toured internationally with Stephen Lynch and is featured on Lynch's latest release "Lion". He also has 3 songs on the just-released album from the Asylum Street Spankers "The Last Laugh". He has appeared on The Bob and Tom Show, America's Got Talent, and American Idol (where he played lap steel for AI's 2009 Season runner-up, Crystal Bowersox.) He cowrote a song on Crystal's last album, too. Last fall, Charlie made his film debut in the Cawdor. He currently plays the "Ham-o-lin" and other homemade instruments with local jugbandoliers The Deep Fried Pickle Project. Charlie would like to give a special thank you to his mother for her love, her support and her basement.

BRANDON MICHAUD, Greg Wilhote

Brandon Michaud is a second year Barnie. His first year here, he was involved with SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD, BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and HAIR. He just finished his second year at Rockford University where he performed as Don in BABES IN ARMS, Longaville in LOVE LABOUR'S LOST and Eddie Birolace in DOGFIGHT. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support as well as the Barn for another opportunity to live out his dream.

CODY STIGLICH, Jesus Pena

Cody is currently studying Musical Theatre at Anderson University. He is originally from Carmel, Indiana. Recent roles have included Soloist/Ensemble in A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, Francesco in THE GONDOLIERS, and Dr. Gibbs in OUR TOWN. Recently, Cody has had the opportunity to perform on a stage with Metropolitan Opera tenor Lawrence Brownlee. He is incredibly excited to work with everyone at The Barn for the summer. In his free time, Cody enjoys a great book, a good movie, or a decent TV show. He has a passion for stories (in any form), music, and the outdoors. He can often be spotted riding his bike or just enjoying a casual stroll outside.

LARon Hudson, Ronald McCowan

So excited and blessed to be spending this summer at The Barn. Previous credits include ( Herod) Jesus Christ Superstar, (Asagai) A raisin in the sun, (Donkey) Shrek, (Four Eyed Moe) Five guys named Moe,(Belize) Angels in America, (Duane) Hairspray,(Leonato) Much Ado, (Coalhouse) Ragtime, (Henry) South Pacific and (Jim Conley) Parade. Thanks to my famiyl and friends for their support #xo

Dani Apple, Norma Valverde

Dani could not be more ecstatic to join the apprenticeship program! Dani is a rising junior at The Boston Conservatory and is working toward her BFA in Musical Theatre. Previous professional credits include Disney's On the Record (Kristen), The Wedding Singer (Holly), Les Miserables (Eponine), Hair (Sheila), All Shook Up (Natalie), Nine (Claudia), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud), and Sweeney Todd (Johanna). Dani has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade finale, in the National Tour of Evita, and as a member of Radio Disney's Pop Squad. She would like to thank her incredible parents and friends for their eternal support and love!

JACKIE GUBOW, Janis Curtis

Jackie Gubow (Second Year Apprentice) returns to the Barn for a second season! Last summer, she was seen as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof and Louella Parsons in Shakespeare in Hollywood, among other roles. Jackie has also appeared onstage with the Huron Playhouse in Huron, OH (Nettie Fowler in Carousel) and College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, MA. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Oakland University, where she recently graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the College of Arts and Sciences commencement speaker. While at Oakland, Jackie studied abroad in Greece, playing Ismene in Antigone, and also appeared as Margaret White in Carrie the Musical (Michigan premiere), Trainer/Officer Richter in Police Deaf Near Far, and Madame Ernestine in Little Mary Sunshine. Other recent favorites include Annabel Glick in Lucky Stiff and Janey Hurley in A Catered Affair. She would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers.

ALEXANDER GHATTAS, Doctor Stokes

Alexander is thrilled to be spending his first summer as a Barnie. Regional: A Year with Frog & Toad, Tintypes, A Man for All Seasons, A Little Night Music, The Three Musketeers, Godspell, The King and I, Beguiled Again: The Songs of Rodgers and Hart, The Never Ending Story, Our Town, The Andersonville Trials, Run for your Wife, The Drowsy Chaperone. Tour: Mad About Money, Other credits include: Elegies: A song Cycle, Into the Woods and Animals out of Paper. Alex holds a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in performance and Musical Theatre with Honors from The University of Michigan. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous love and support, especially his family & friend

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