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Thank you for joining us for our first production of the 2015-2016 JHS Drama Season -- HOLDING ON -- as we explore what it means to take a stand, chase a dream, or cling to life. 

HANDS ON A HARDBODY is based on a 1997 documentary film by S.R. Bindler, capturing the 1995 edition of this hard-fought and sometimes heart-breaking contest at a Nissan dealership in Longview, TX.  Though elements of the story have been fictionalized, these are real people (many of them actual contestants from 1995) with very real hopes, dreams and ambitions. 

As a cast and company, working on the show, we've spent some time musing about who among us might have the stamina and willpower to last nearly 4 days in the Texas heat, trying to win a truck.  More to the point, though, was the question of what it would take to get us to do it.  The red pickup on stage means different things to the different contestants gathered around it.  What would we be willing to put forth this kind of effort to win?

"What's your truck?" became the question of the day.

For Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE, later this season, it first takes the form of her boyfriend, worth chasing to Harvard Law School.  For Vivian Bearing, in April's WIT, it becomes finding meaning in what little life she has left to hang onto.

In preparing to present this weekend's performances, the cast of HANDS ON A HARDBODY got to work with Kathleen Monteleone, who played Heather in the original Broadway production (and Elle in the national tour of LEGALLY BLONDE). Kathleen shared significant insight into the creation of this unique musical, and worked with students across a number of disciplines. 

Her time at JHS was made possible by the Sam Wasson Memorial Guest Artist Series, supported by a fund set up as a living memorial to Sam ('06) who died far too soon while pursuing his studies in theatre and education.  Through this fund, his desire to play a role in the future of theatre students and artists lives on.  Sam was someone who had found his truck, and part of his passion was centered on helping others find theirs.

Thank you for joining us tonight as we explore these characters and their stories together, and kick off an exciting year of theatrical adventures, doing more of the same.  We hope you'll join us as the journey continues.  Complete production information can be found at www.jesuitportland.org/drama.

We hope you enjoy this Oregon Premiere of HANDS ON A HARDBODY.

Find your truck.  Keep your hands on it.