‘Harder They Come’ soon in theatre

The iconic Jamaican film ‘The Harder They Come’ has celebrated 50 years since its release and lovers of the world renowned movie will soon be able to see a theatre version in New York.

‘The Harder They Come’ musical is based on the 1972 film, which was produced and directed by Perry Henzell, and co-written with Trevor Rhone. The story revolves around Ivan, played by Jimmy Cliff. He is a young singer who leaves his rural home and arrives in Kingston, eager to become a star. After finding romance and cutting a record deal with a powerful music mogul, Ivan soon learns that the industry is rigged, and as he becomes increasingly defiant, he finds himself in a battle that threatens not only his life, but the very fabric of Jamaican society.

Natey Jones will make his American stage debut as Ivan. Directed by Tony Taccone, ‘The Harder They Come’ features a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks with songs by the legendary Cliff who actually found global stardom after the film’s release.

Scheduled to open at New York’s Public Theatre in March, the stage production is expected to be a massive hit. The film is compelling because Cliff is so convincing. He encounters nothing but menial work (including running weed) and the sleazy music kingpin rips him off. Ivan eventually achieves the fame and recognition he craves — after a deadly shootout with police makes him a celebrity renegade. The title song, of course, became an anthem, propelled Cliff to huge mainstream status which he is still enjoying today.