Jackie is a hustler-of-all-trades. She has it all -she thinks. Richie is a by-the-books young attorney -or is he? Are bad girls really gone forever? Do nice guys really not get laid? Can this ill-conceived couple convince themselves to make a go of it?
These questions, first posed in the song Smooth Jazz, where Jackie and Richie were first introduced to the world, have finally been answered. Smooth Jazz appeared on the Grand Agent album Hustle ‘Til It Hurt, released in 2011 as a mixtape and album, then re-released in 2016. Besides providing the show’s title, the album is the basis of the play’s soundtrack. Hustle ‘Til It Hurt can be heard in its entirety at grandagent.net
The idea to continue the story of Jackie and Richie came in 2012, when, as a rapper, I was looking for a way to elevate my stage show. While discussing a few options with Ozzie, he suggested I elaborate on a song, as a premise for something that could be staged during a concert. I chose Smooth Jazz because it was pure fiction. I figured it would probably give me the best shot at creating something that would add sheer entertainment value to the music, nothing too serious.
Five years, countless drafts, and some unforeseen circumstances later, here we are -the first incarnation of what has become a hilarious romantic comedy - Hustle ‘Til It Hurt. Enjoy the show! -Jared