HANDS ON A HARDBODY Plays the Aurora Theatre, Now thru 5/31

Dive deep into the heart of The Lone Star State, where the lives of 10 strangers intertwine as they vie for the chance to win a brand-new Nissan "hardbody" truck in a four-day battle of wills to see who will be left standing! While their individual stories unfold over the course of the competition, they realize that it's not just everything - but rather everyone - that might be a little bigger in Texas. Based on a true story, Hands on a Hardbody makes its regional premiere as Aurora Theatre's 2014-15 Peach State Federal Credit Union Signature Series finale, today, May 7-31, 2015. Who will drive away with the American Dream? Wheel over to Aurora and find out.

"When we have a collection of voices that sound this great, I know the audience is going to be in for a truly special experience," said Ann-Carol Pence Aurora Theatre Associate Producer. "Adding in a soulful, rockabilly score by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green gives it a lot of musical horsepower. And to be honest, I love a show that reminds us that everyone deserves a chance at the American Dream."

Based on the acclaimed documentary with a libretto by Doug Wright and under the direction of Brian Clowdus, Hands on a Hardbody explores how far a group of small town people will go to win a free pickup truck in a car dealership contest that is intensified by the recession of the mid-2000s. The rules are simple: whoever keeps their hands on the truck the longest drives home its owner. Through sleep deprivation, late-night lunacy and plenty of laughs in between, the dramatic comedy shifts audience members through a rollercoaster of emotion, as hours slowly turn into days and a truck becomes a symbol of much more.

With original score by renowned musician Trey Anastasio of the Grammy-nominated band Phish and under award-winning musical direction by Aurora's Resident Music Director Ann-Carol Pence, Hands on a Hardbody delivers upbeat and moving numbers that drive the production to life. Along with Jen MacQueen's fierce choreography and a first-class team of award-winning designers, this fine-tuned musical is engineered to present unparallel entertainment for all!

Recommended for folks who don't mind an occasional bump in the road, Hands on a Hardbody is presented May 7-31, 2015. A discount weekday matinee will be offered on Wednesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. for $20-$30 per person. Regular show time tickets can be purchased for $30-$50 per person online at tickets.auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222.