(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- NENAproductions Theater Project is opening its 21st season at the Jersey Shore Arts Center as the theater company in residence with a show unlike any other, with the all-American musical Hands on a Hardbody. Based on the real-life documentary by the same name, this musical centers around a days-long endurance contest where one person will win a Nissan Hardbody pick-up truck by keeping a hand on it the longest.

Each contestant has their own vision of the American dream that winning the truck can bring them. A new lease on life is so close they can touch it, but if you let go- you lose! This modern musical is driven by various musical styles with tuneful melodies and soulful lyrics by Amanda Green and the band Phish’s very own Trey Anastasio. . “You can hear the sound of America singing with this daring new musical!” – The New York Times.

Hands on a Hardbody will play at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 Main Ave, at the entrance to Ocean Grove. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays, October 4-12, 2024 at 7:30pm, with a matinee on Sunday, October 13 at 2:00pm. General Admission Seating is $30. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling 732-513-7298.

The creative team helmed NENA’s recent hit production of PIPPIN. Nick Montesano, directs the production, with Musical Direction by Jeff Brown, and choreography by Amy Skalecki.

The star of the show, a red NISSAN truck, arrived through special arrangement with The Playgroup Theater in White Plains, NY. It was delivered in parts to roll to the stage through standard doors, assembled by the creative team, and funded by the generosity of community donors. 

The cast of 15 stage performers is comprised of NENA veterans DJ Brown, Anthony Preuster, Lizzy Stefanic, Rebecca Conn, Dennis DaPrile, Jeff Caplan, Amy Skalecki, Michael Skloff, and Heather McLaughlin. Making their NENA debuts are Frank Rogers, Max Evans, Jazmynn Perez, Timmy Santana, Reagan White, and Brian Pollock.

Partner Sponsors include The Kelley Family, in honor of Herb Herbst, original founder of the Jersey Shore Arts Center, The SMITH Restaurant Group of Asbury Park, and Frank and Aurora Brunette. Scenic Sponsors include Matt Carroll and Liza Montesano, Heather McLaughlin, and Causeway Nissan. Additional grants were awarded to NENA from Monmouth Arts.

The mission of NENAproductions Theater Project is to enrich, educate and entertain their community by providing a superior live theater experience. They shall encourage the imaginative and societal importance of theater through plays, musicals, children’s theater, youth educational programs and community outreach efforts.

NENAproductions Theater Project strives to produce classic and seldom seen theatrical pieces that provoke meaningful discussions about the human condition while bringing a sense of pride to our community.