Hands on a Hardbody

Wanneroo Repertory’s WA Premiere of Hands on a Hardbody opened to a small but appreciative audience at the Limelight Theatre. Based on a documentary and a real-life event, it is set around a competition in Texas, where competitors must keep a hand on a truck for the longest time, in order to win the vehicle.

Very much an ensemble piece, we meet the ten competitors, two competition organisers, local radio host and a smattering of competitors’ family and supporters.

Mal Anderson gives us an effective set that nicely evokes the parking lot of a caryard, complete with neon signage, and of course the central character, a bright red truck, nicely represented in a way that captures the size and importance of the truck, without collapsing the stage. The personalities of these real-life people are nicely suggested by the costumes created by Colleen Johnson. Lighting design and operation by Peter Giles and Alison Mack helps us to pass through several days of action, and despite a little hiccup or two on Opening Night, sound design and operation (Paul King, Lachie Buttle, Elise Giamo and Meesha Palman) works well.

Musical Director Shaun Davis leads a nine-piece band who sound superb. Singing is strong, with some great harmonies. Jane Anderson’s choreography, most of which requires following the rule that performers must keep one hand on the vehicle at any time, is clever and fun.

If anyone could be termed the central character, it is last year’s winner Benny Perkins, whose commentary tops and tails the show. Self-centred, opinionated, and unpleasant, he is given credence by Phil Bedworth, likeably unlikeable in the role.

Helen Carey looks nothing like her beautiful self, expertly playing down-on-her-luck Janis Curtis in a poignant performance.  Breeahn Carter makes a fabulous return to the stage after a decade away, a gorgeous performance as the sexy Heather Stovall – with a Marilyn Monroe vibe. Brittany Isaia is warm and likeable as Kelli Mangram giving us a touch of romance. Lukas Perez ages up to play Norma Valverde, passionate Christian, in a vibrant performance.

Chris McCafferty is believable as J.D. Drew, carrying an injury and an older competitor while Joshua Hollander also feels right, portraying Greg Wilhote with sincerity. Riley Merigan puts his heart into the portrayal of former marine Chris Alvaro. Christian Dichiera brings passion and sincerity to Ronald McGowan and Rodrigo Goncalves de Azevedo makes a strong community theatre debut as Jesus Pena – speaking largely in Spanish, a language which Rodrigo does not speak.

Contest organisers Mike Ferris and Cindy Barnes are given depth by Ben Mullings and Amber Wilson, the latter making a WA debut, while Jacob Anderson nicely fills the shoes of radio personality Frank Nugent. 

In smaller roles Brad Beckett plays one of his best roles to date, believable as Janis’ husband, Don. Gillian Binks brings big hair and a strong portrayal to J.D.’s wife Virginia. Lovely cameos and ensemble duties from Althea Gordon, Terri Mullings, Eliza Sear-Rigg and Therese Cruise.

This show is not getting the hype that it deserves, and while it may have a bit of a niche storyline, if you are reading this, you are probably a person who should do themselves a favour and get along to this little Texan treasure.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Sean Breafsell