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The Harder They Come

THE HARDER THEY COME

THE HARDER THEY COME Sitzprobe Inside Look
Newman Theater February 16 - April 9, 2023 2 hours including intermission

World Premiere
THE HARDER THEY COME
Book by Suzan-Lori Parks
Including Songs by Jimmy Cliff
Additional New Songs by Suzan-Lori Parks
Based upon the film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone
Music Supervision, Orchestrations, and Arrangements by Kenny Seymour
Choreography by Edgar Godineaux
Co-Directed by Sergio Trujillo
Directed by Tony Taccone

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and The Public’s Writer-in-Residence, Suzan-Lori Parks, brings to The Public a new musical adaptation of the 1972 movie, THE HARDER THEY COME.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the breakthrough film, produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone, tells the story of Ivan, a young singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, eager to become a star. After falling in love and cutting a record deal with a powerful music mogul, Ivan soon learns that the game 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.

Featuring Grammy Award winner Jimmy Cliff’s hits, “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and "Many Rivers to Cross," former Artistic Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre Tony Taccone directs this new musical, with co-direction by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo and choreography by Edgar Godineaux.

CALENDAR.

Tickets Available
Tickets Not Available

Tickets

Tickets start at $105, plus fees*
Public Supporter and Partner tickets start at $95
View the Newman Theater seating chart

*All orders subject to $7 per ticket service fee and $3 per ticket facility fee. All fees are waived for Public Theater Supporters and Partners. When purchasing tickets at the Taub Box Office the $7 per ticket service fee is waived.

Health & Safety 

In keeping with guidance from the city, state, and federal officials, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required for access to The Public’s facility, theaters, and the restaurant.

The use of a face mask is strongly encouraged at all performances, but a mask is now only required at all Tuesday evening and Saturday and Sunday matinee performances, as well as Joseph Papp Free Performances.

For complete health and safety protocols, visit Health & Safety, Next Steps

Become a Public Theater Partner or Supporter

Take advantage of Priority Access periods, savings on tickets, and a host of other benefits. At the same time, you'll be providing vital support in the creation of the art, music, and theater available in your 22/23 season. Join in today.

American Express® Card Member Performance

Join us for an American Express® Card Member performance on Friday, March 24, at 8PM ET. Learn more about American Express® Seating Options.

Community Performances

The following dates are the Community Nights planned for this production. Please check back at a later date for more information on how to access the performance:

  • Sunday, March 5, 8PM
Join Team Public

A free membership program that delivers weekly email content about The Public, ticket offerings, invitations to special events, and news. Learn more and join in.

Accessible Performance Dates
  • Open Caption performance Saturday, March 18, 2PM
  • Audio Description performance Saturday, March 25, 2PM
  • American Sign Language performance Thursday, March 30, 8PM
  • Open Caption performance Saturday, April 1, 2PM

Learn more about Accessibility Services for People with Disabilities. If you have additional questions, need assistance, or an accommodation please contact us at .



PRODUCTION DETAILS.

Dive Deeper

Both have been remediated for screen readers.

Content and Production Effect Warning

Learn about runtimes, late seating, and production effect advisories and more.

Extras

Located on the Levin Mezzanine of The Public, check out the Wheel & Come Again, art exhibition inspired by the original film. Several pieces are up for auction with proceeds going to the American Friends of Jamaica for their scholarship initiatives. Visit the auction here and bid through April 4.

 

Cast.

Image of Jeannette Bayardelle

Jeannette Bayardelle

Daisy

Image of Shawn Bowers

Shawn Bowers

Ensemble

Image of J. Bernard Calloway

J. Bernard Calloway

Preacher

Image of Andrew Clarke

Andrew Clarke

Lyle

Image of Eean Sherrod Cochran

Eean Sherrod Cochran

Understudy

Image of Tyla Collier

Tyla Collier

Understudy

Image of Jamal Christopher Douglas

Jamal Christopher Douglas

Ensemble

Image of Tiffany Francès

Tiffany Francès

Understudy

Image of Garfield Hammonds

Garfield Hammonds

Understudy

Image of Dana Marie Ingraham

Dana Marie Ingraham

Ensemble

Image of Dominique Johnson

Dominique Johnson

Jose

Image of Chelsea-Ann Jones

Chelsea-Ann Jones

Ensemble

Image of  Natey Jones

Natey Jones

Ivan

Image of Dudney Joseph Jr

Dudney Joseph Jr

Ray

Image of Dwight Xaveir Leslie

Dwight Xaveir Leslie

Understudy

Image of Morgan McGhee

Morgan McGhee

Ensemble

Image of Meecah

Meecah

Elsa

Image of Jacob Ming-Trent

Jacob Ming-Trent

Pedro

Image of Alysha Morgan

Alysha Morgan

Ensemble

Image of Ken Robinson

Ken Robinson

Hilton

Image of Housso Semon

Housso Semon

Ensemble

Image of  Denver Andre Taylor

Denver Andre Taylor

Understudy

Image of Sir Brock Warren

Sir Brock Warren

Ensemble

Image of Carla Woods

Carla Woods

Understudy

Image of Christopher Henry Young

Christopher Henry Young

Ensemble

Creative.

Suzan-Lori Parks
Book
Jimmy Cliff
Songs
Based upon the film, Produced and Directed by Perry Henzell and Co-Written with Trevor Rhone
Kenny Seymour
Music Supervision, Orchestrations, and Dance Arrangements
Edgar Godineaux
Choreography
Sergio Trujillo
Co-Direction
Tony Taccone
Direction
Clint Ramos & Diggle
Scenic Design
Emilio Sosa
Costume Design
Japhy Weideman
Lighting Design
Walter Trarbach
Sound Design
Earon Chew Nealey
Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design
Claire M. Kavanah
Prop Management
Hana S. Kim
Projection Design
Rocio Mendez
Fight and Intimacy Director
Dwight Bacquie
Dialect Coach
Kenny Seymour
Orchestrations
Kristy Norter
Music Contractor
John Bronston
Music Direction
Jeffrey Rodriguez
Production Stage Manager
Amanda Michaels
Stage Manager
Alex Murphy
Stage Manager

Press.

How Classic Reggae Movie ‘The Harder They Come’ Was Remade for the Stage

The Daily Beast

READ MORE
‘The Harder They Come’ Was a Hero’s Journey Set to Reggae. It’s About to Become a New Musical

Rolling Stone

READ MORE
‘The Harder They Come’: Inside the Stage Musical Adaptation of the Movie That Introduced Reggae to the World

Billboard

READ MORE

MEDIA.

THE HARDER THEY COME Sitzprobe Inside Look

SPONSORS.

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