"Hands on a Hardbody," the new musical about 10 down-on-their-luck Texans vying to win a new truck by being the last to keep a hand on the vehicle, is set to open on Broadway March 21, 2013, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Inspired by true events and based on S.R. Bindler's 1997 documentary of the same name, the musical features a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright ("I Am My Own Wife"), lyrics by Amanda Green ("Bring It On: The Musical") and music by Green and Trey Anastasio of Phish.
Also read: 'Hands on a Hardbody' Musical Plans Broadway Move
Last week, the producers of the show announced that Broadway choreographer Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys") would take over musical staging from "Black Swan" choreographer and dancer Benjamin Millepied.
"Hands on a Hardbody," staged by Neil Pepe, had its world premiere in May at the La Jolla Playhouse, which commissioned the show. The entire La Jolla cast, led by Keith Carradine and Hunter Foster, will follow the show to Broadway.
"The La Jolla Playhouse attraction feels pretty special in its unique flint integrity and wholesome earnestness. After a tune-up, this vehicle could be in for the long haul," Variety wrote. The Los Angeles Times wrote, "There's a refreshing emotional simplicity to this story."
The musical is produced by Broadway Across America (John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Beth Williams), Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Dede Harris, Sharon Karmazin and Howard and Janet Kagan.