HANDS ON A HARDBODY

A nice and simple performance with great music. Some touching moments and a nice storyline.

I loved it! Loved the cast, the book, the music - everything came together perfectly. My only disappointment with the experience is the knowledge that others won't be able to enjoy this superb production, as the show has since closed. "Hands" truly deserved a much longer run. I especially enjoyed how all the characters were individually featured at some point during the show ... a great opportunity for each cast member to showcase their own unique talents. A special shout out must go to Jim Newman ("Mike Ferris"): I hope the Tony nominating committee takes note - the man deserves to be recognized! Killer performance. Also noteworthy was Jon Rua's "Jesus" - so touching and poignant. Hell, the entire cast was just amazing!

Hands on a Hardbody was entertaining, well acted, and beautifully scored. The unique subject made a marvelous musical. It's a pity it's time on Broadway had to end, hopefully it will be back for others to enjoy. Well worth the drive from Burlington, VT!

I wish more new musicals wore their heart on their sleeve like this. I was moved to tears more than once. Fascinating story, characters you can root for, something we can all relate to, terrific performances and a wonderful score to boot. Can't recommend this one highly enough!

Wonderful show with a lot of heart. Totally relevant. Amazing cast. Go!

The seats are a bit cramped in the mezzanine, but the show is great.

Unfortunately, this musical is extremely slow...and not exciting at all. I was eager for it to be over.

We saw the show. I thought the music was exceptionally good. The staging was limited because the cast had to touch the truck at all times; however, a gospel type of song was perfomed with using all parts of the truck as percussion instructions. It was awesome to see and hear! We thought the story was thought provoking to see how people in dire financial straits were coping in these times.

Being from Texas it was challenging to see how this very familiar tale could possible be meat for a Broadway show. And at first I was somewhat skeptical that it could possibly entertain someone for 2 hours. However as it builds its powerful story and defines its characters with song,talent and raw energy I was totally captivated by the second act! You also completely understand each character and it's very difficult to know who to root for and it is remarkably "touching" as each one fails on their driven goal for something better for their lives...

be warned - i am a Texan so I couldn't get past the bad accents for most of the show. it's a clever idea and a good story, it just needed more variety in the songs (ballads, rhythm and blues galore!). Not bad - just not great.

Hands on a Hardbody is that unique Broadway musical that has something important to say as well as a lot of incredibly talented people saying it. I go to the theatre quite a bit, but I tend to favor dramas because I like to think about what I'm seeing. Fantastic talent is almost a given on the Broadway stage, but too many musicals are about trivia, or nothing at all. This production is a treat for both the ears and the brain. Highly recommended!

I had a great time on Saturday night at Hands on a Hardbody. It is a bright, beautifully acted and voiced musical. The actors received a well deserved standing ovation. Go see it!

We loved Hands on a Hardbody. We were BIG fans of the music and it was really well-done. I would go see it again!

While I thought it was a little drawn out, the music was fun, the drama was based in real-life events and the character stories that were told I thought everyone could relate to in one way or another.

The show unfolded in a way that had you completely caught up in each of the character's story line. The performers were amazingly talented and the choreography was inventive and fun to watch. The songs themselves really moved the story forward and rewarded the audience with some real show stoppers. Highly recommend to any prospective audience. Would like to see it again!

The production was great. Based in real events and people. Amazing songs and talent. I loved that the characters were believable and not so over the top. Very entertaining and touching at the same time. Great performances and story - a must see!

First Broadway play. Pretty good. Some decent comedic moments, and even hit on some social issues. I'm just a Phish fan who wanted to see and hear what Trey has been working on for awhile, but left liking it more than I thought I would.

Very cool and energetic show. Songs were very good.

I decided to go on a whim. I knew nothing about the show and I walked out fully moved and just full of joy. Truly a wonderful American story.

The premise was unusual, but the stories of the characters provided an interesting, often sobering, view of a slice of life. It makes the viewer think and realize that everyone has a story, and almost everyone has his/her ups and downs. Luckily the play ended with the characters every hopeful for what their futures might bring. Not your run of the mill musical - definitely worth seeing!

A heartfelt yet feel good show with great story telling songs.

"Hands on a Hardbody" needs HELP (and with the rather static story line, I'm not even sure that having all hands on deck can keep this one from sinking). Some of the songs are catchy, but, bored out of our minds, we left at intermission.

The problem with "Hands on a Hard Body" is that there is no action, it's a very static plot. There is even very little suspense in who is going to outlast the physical challenge and win the truck. A few good numbers in the first act but the second act is so boring. And the final song was really unsatisfying..."If you love something, keep your hands on it"? Really? The bar is so LOW these days on Broadway. It was a disappointment.

The show was very good, and the music was excellent. It was staged in a very clever way with the cast touching a truck at all times.

Hands On A Hardbody was a musical wherein I could not care about any of the characters. How much could one watch a truck whirling round and round. There was almost no suspense concerning who won the truck. Who even cared? A very disappointing experience.

The theatre was full, the crowd really liked it, heard people say it was "very good" walking out. Enthusiastic applause after many of the songs and at the end of the show. Audience members were even rooting for the characters to win the truck, sighing when someone took their hand off. Excellent rock, country and gospel music. Seemed difficult to dance (and choreograph) around and with a truck like that all evening and the actors do a great job which the audience also appreciated. I think they should give Burn that Bridge to some Nashville/Texas country singer and they may have their most popular (country) single ever. Excellent play about southern US culture, people from Texas and the south will totally relate to it especially the southern dialogue and non-American tourists will get a good taste of Texas.

Very very pleasantly surprised by this show. Awesome, awesome cast. I was entertained from start to finish. Loved it!

This show is funny and true, and the music is the best part. Recommended.

This was a play I will always remember for its pathos and its message. The actors we so believable and I loved the incredible emotion they displayed.

Hey listen, it wasn't the best Broadway musical I've ever seen, but the story and especially the music (by the incredibly talented Trey Anastasio) was great. The first act shined MUCH brighter than the second, but overall it was enjoyable. Sad that they pulled the show early... maybe it will appear off-Broadway sometime soon.

Hands on a Hardbody, might have started a little slow but it built up the characters nicely and made you love each one for their unique qualities. Thanks to the writers for not making God the bad guy. We so need to have faith when we are down. The use of the truck as the prop was great and the way the actors danced around and on it was very interesting. I thought how are they going to have a musical with dancing when the actors have to keep at least one hand on the truck, well they did it and it was really clever. I recommend going, it's a lot of fun and everyone does a great job of their character.

We really enjoyed this show. Though it was not one for the ages, it definitely deserved a longer run.

Fabulous Fun... Creative choreography... Grabbed at your heart and never let go. Two hands up for this winner. Strong singers...bold sentiments...rousing performance. Raved about this show to everyone!!!

Despite it being the last night, hand on a hardbody was entertaining, filled with talent and fun. The set design was much less intricate than most Broadway performances but the energy of the cast forced you attention away from that. Was emotional last night for everyone involved in the show and was sad to see it end.

Hands on a Hardbody was the best thing I'd seen on Broadway since Book of Mormon. It's a crime that it was closing on the day I saw it before most of NYC had had a chance to see it.

Broadway ready, not Broadway worthy. Talented acting and singing with mediocre score and lyrics. I can see it at La Jolla but whoever thought this should come to Broadway or that the idea was big enough to do a musical. OR is it just Broadway nepotism?

Hands on a Hard Body was a great musical with very interesting subtext about the post-baby boom generation. Sad to see this close to soon!

Best new musical on 2013! It's a shame more people didnt have the chance to see it.

This play was amazing and should be seen by anyone who can get there. There are so few new American musicals and this one is a winner. Unfortunately, in spite of good reviews and an audience who was appreciative, the play is closing on 4/13. It, and the phenomenal cast, deserve better.

Commitment/compassion,nevcer give up attitude. Great voices, and interesting characters

The contestants are an unlikable group of people. I couldn't root for any of them. With not much plot and being two acts the show is way too long.

I enjoyed the show - very entertaining. I loved the lyrics to most of the songs, but the voices could have been stronger.

We really liked this show. It was funny, but it also had it's serious moments. Looking at the hardships of minorities and the difficulties faced by those in the military and their families. The songs were great, the use of the simple props was ingenious. My 12 year old daughter really loved the show as well.

A very fun and entertaining show. Though faced with some logistical limitations in terms of movement, the pacing is good and engaging. The characters are charming.

Sorry about the luke warm review. It deserved a rave.

To say that I was riveted at the front of my seat would be an understatement. It is indescrible the way the cast was able to creatively mix movement, song and drama all while holding on to a "truck". I was totally intrigued how the truck became part of the choreographer. The voices were incredible. As a musician I was mesmerized as each and every song unfolded. Amazing score and lyrics.....kudos to the songwriters. And in addition to the music, the story line grabbed hold and never let go until the end. Thank you for an unforgettable evening.

All three of us who attended this show loved it. It was not the splashy over-the-top Broadway musical, but we thoroughly enjoyed the stories, songs and dance numbers.

I like musicals that are smart, socially conscious & a little dark. This fit the bill exactly. I wanted every character vying for that truck to get a break in his or her life. Also loved the range of American vernacular music, from gospel to country western to southern rock and beyond. I'd recommend this for people who like that music, for people who like rather more serious musicals and plays, for people who like Americana. It would not be for people who prefer light-hearted or really lush & romantic escapist musicals. With musical theatergoers from outside the U.S., it could go either way: They might like it if they wanted a VERY regional American experience, but they also might miss out on some social satire.

This show has some of the best writing and music I have heard on Broadway in a long, long time. Based on a documentary film from the late 90s, this is not your typical brainless Broadway musical. This is a show that will make you think about the state of our country. This show is unafraid to confront and tackle issues such as religion, immigration, unemployment, and the plight of our young soldiers both abroad and at home. This is a fantastic musical that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.

Do not miss this great, funny, moving musical. It's the best, most authentic show on Broadway. Amazing performances, great songs, beautiful orchestrations. I've seen it twice and both times the audience gave it a standing O. My kids saw it (10 and 13) and loved it.

The title may confuse people, and unfortunately, some may not read about the show because they think it might be inappropriate. We took our 12 and 15 year old kids and they loved it like we did. It was funny and emotional and the songs were great.

It was an enjoyable show. Each character had a story to tell and did it well. The second act moved a bit better then the first. I wouldn't rush to see this show. If discount tickets were available I would take advantage.

Differs from other Broadway musical by its respect for average people facing economic hardship. Great songs written in many musical styles giving an authentic voice to people trying to stay above water. It is fascinating from beginning to end.

We went to see Hand on a Hardbody already expecting it to be less than good based on some customer reviews posted in the New York Times. However, we left the show highly satisfied. The story is timely and original, the music inspiring and the cast formidable. Each one of the actors brought to life their respective character and made them believable. Hands on a Hardbody is not your typical Broadway musical filled with happy song and dance numbers, but like Rent did before, this show captures and reflects the hard times that many continue to experience in today's America.

Very good show, mostly sympathetic characters, good music, good storyline, well orchestrated and well paced. I would recommend. Kind of an play on "A Chorus Line" with a variety of interesting folks and personal stories. Finale was a good wrap up of what happened to each of the characters.

I loved this show. I went in skeptical and came out happy and satisfied. It was wonderful to see a cast of actors who look like real people in a story about real people. It wasn't just another amusement park spectacle. All the special effects in the world cannot substitute for a good story and great music. These are terrific actors and singers. The music is fresh. The suspense was real. I hope it wins a ton of TONY awards - it should, especially Keala Settle as Norma. She's incredible!

From what I'd heard, I was about as excited as sitting down to watch Harry Connick sweat through Promises Promises. But Hardbody is beautifully made and played , as fresh - to use a stale word - and engaging as Once or Passing Strange. Yes, it's A Chorus Line in cowboy country- though really this form goes back, through Lifeboat, to The Canterbury Tales. Smart, cliche-busting songs, staging that addresses and removes the dread of 2 hours watching 12 people paw a truck, a thoughtful, non-condescending worldview, a beautifully tuned ensemble. The matinee had a full orchestra and half a balcony, and everyone ate it up. High time, word of mouth, to get this baby cruising down the highway.

The music is incredible and the cast is so Talented. Such good theater in today's garbage that People need to go see this NOW

I read the mixed reviews, and was reluctant to buy a ticket...I am so glad I did. Truly a lovely time at the theater. I was honestly surprised by how good the talent was. "Joy of the Lord" was the highlight of the show and made me want to come out of my seat! Singing was great. Acting was believable and took me right out of the city. The choreography was ingenious. It was everything good about musicals. You leave with a smile.