San Diego Reader

• Theater
• La Jolla

Hands on a Hardbody

The new musical's about an actual contest, in Texas, where you can win a Nissan truck by keeping one hand on it the longest. Since the truck just sits center-stage, the theatrical demands are as stern as the competition. Many still need working out at the La Jolla Playhouse, since the play runs long, has a static premise and, like A Chorus Line, must account for a dozen characters (most of whom represent one of the country's current ills). A cast, including David Carradine, Hunter Forster, John Rua, and Keala Settle (who levitates the Mandell Weiss with "Joy of the Lord"), guarantee entertainment value. And director Neil Pepe and choreograper keep things moving, even when the story lags.

• When: Ongoing until Sunday, June 17, 2012
  • Sundays, 2pm & 7pm
  • Tuesdays, 7:30pm
  • Wednesdays, 7:30pm
  • Thursdays, 8pm
  • Fridays, 8pm
  • Saturdays, 8pm
• Where: La Jolla Playhouse

  2910 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego
  Get directions