MIAMI – The Jamaican hit musical – The Harder They Come – opened Saturday night (Aug. 29) to a full-house at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.
The two-hour length musical, creative yet simple, was described by Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, as nostalgic, indicating that the “cast featuring first, second and third generation Jamaicans still reflected, presented and translated the authentic feeling captured in the movie which was produced more than 30 years ago.”
Minister Grange who was special guest of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the grand opening, congratulated the 22-member cast along with the production team following their performance, at an ‘after-party’ hosted by the Center’s management. With enthusiasm, she stated that the performance showcased the “greatness of our people, our music and our awesomeness.”
Cast of The Harder They Come
To a rousing approval from the audience attending the after-party, the Minister said the performance was timely, as Jamaica was now at center stage of talent following the sterling performance of our athletes at the recent IAAF World Championships in Berlin.
She expressed gratitude to Jamaicans in the Diaspora for continued support and urged them along with those at home to embrace in an effort to continue to showcase the island’s rich culture on international stages.
The original film was co-written and produced by the late Perry Henzel, along with Jamaican playwright, Trevor Rhone, who attended last night’s premier.
In paying tribute to Mr. Henzel, Minister Grange spoke of the translation of a great Jamaican movie into a musical classic comprising Jamaican talent.
Based on the original film, the production tells the story of a young singer, Ivan, played by British actor, Rolan Bell, headed to Kingston with dreams of becoming a reggae star. He encountered corruption fuelled by drugs in the music industry, and was forced into a life as an outlaw.
Bell, who was born of Jamaican parents, expressed his delight to be affiliated with the Jamaican classic, explaining his emotional depth and connection with the island’s rich culture and heritage.
The theatrical production features all the songs from the soundtrack of the original film, many of which were written by international reggae star, Jimmy Cliff, O.D., who starred as Ivan in the film.
Jamaican born, Joy Mack, played Miss Daisy in the musical. She hails from Clarendon, and also was happy to be part of the Jamaican classic demonstrating her creative energy with 30 years of experience as a performance artist in Jamaica and the United Kingdom.
Talking about the success of the musical, Producer Jan Ryan, of UK Arts International, told JIS News that the musical was a group production with the actors along the Theatre Royal Stratford East in London, and choreographed by international choreographer, Jackie Guy, also a Jamaican national who has worked throughout the Caribbean and Europe.
Jamaica’s Consul General, Mrs. Sandra Grant Griffiths who accompanied the Minister also lauded the 22-member cast and production team for their outstanding performance in what she described as a celebration of Jamaica’s cultural history.
As she left the theatre with her friends, Jamaican national, Ms. Inez McDaniels and Florida resident, beamed with pride, emphasizing her return during the 16-week performance, which ends on Sunday, September 13. “This was wonderful, a first class production. I shall return,” she smiled.
Mr. John Richard, President of the Adrienne Arsht Center, commending the outstanding performance of the cast, and the exuberance and participation of the mainly Jamaican audience, said that he was proud to be affiliated with the musical classic.
The Miami debut is the only stop in the United States for the British-based production following a successful six-week run in Toronto in July, and recording breaking performances in London, two years ago.
Earlier today, (Sunday, Aug. 30), Minister Grange was guest on a radio program “Community Connection” hosted by Jamaican producer, Ms. Sharon Blackwood on WAVS-1170 AM Radio.
The Minister briefly spoke of a wealth of talent in culture and sports among our Jamaican youth as programmes were being developed to actively engage them at the community level and in schools.
She continued that historically, mandatory physical education in schools has created a solid base for sports development. Simultaneously, intense cultural activities have showcased a range of talent through workshop development and competition.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange (far right-seated) and Jamaica’s Consul General, Sandra Griffiths (far right) sharing a happy moment with the cast and production team of the musical Harder They Come, at the official opening last Saturday (Aug. 29) at the Adrienne Arsht in downtown Miami.
At The Harder They Come Opening Night, L-R: Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Atty Marlon Hill, Consul General Sandra Grant-Griffiths.
Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths said that the premier of this Jamaican classic in the USA was yet another celebration of Jamaican culture, as the performance at this venue would also add to a larger international community.
