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 Jimmy Cliff’s Grammy Award-winning hits, such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” 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.
Alysha Morgan, a bicoastal Delaware native, showcased her versatile talent in "The Harder They Come," adding to her impressive list of credits which includes roles in "A Wonderful World," "Smokey Joe's Cafe," and the 2nd National Tour of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." more...
Jeannette Bayardelle, known for her powerful performances on Broadway in "Hair" and "The Color Purple," brought her immense talent to the stage in "The Harder They Come," showcasing her versatility and passion for storytelling. more...
Shawn Bowers, a member of Actors' Equity Association, previously showcased his talents in the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations, and also contributed significantly to regional productions such as Meet Me in St. Louis and The Full Monty at STAGES St. Louis. more...
J. Bernard Calloway, known for his dynamic performances in productions like Memphis the Musical and All the Way on Broadway, brought his talent to The Harder They Come, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. more...
Andrew Clarke, a versatile actor, singer, director, and producer, who has graced the New York stage with performances in productions such as "Positive" and "In Arabia We’d All Be Kings," was part of the cast of "The Harder They Come," showcasing his diverse talents honed from his extensive background in theater and his education at Edna Manley College and Brooklyn College. more...
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Tyla Collier, an accomplished actor, singer, dancer, and award-winning audiobook narrator, brought her multifaceted talents to the stage in "The Harder They Come." more...
Jamal Christopher Douglas, who previously performed in Paradise Square at Berkeley Rep, is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut in the same show. more...
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Dana Marie Ingraham, a seasoned performer with Broadway credits including "Motown the Musical," "Hot Feet," and the original Broadway company of "Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark," brought her extensive experience to the stage in "The Harder They Come." more...
Dominique Johnson, who has showcased his talent in the international tour of "Fame" and regional productions such as "Pippin," "Brothers of the Knight," and "A Raisin in the Sun," was a standout in "The Harder They Come." more...
Natey Jones, known for his roles in Pretty Red Dress (2022), National Theatre Live: Small Island (2019), and Casualty (1986), made his American stage debut in The Harder They Come at the Public Theater. more...
Dudney Joseph Jr recently showcased his talents Off Broadway at The Public Theater in the acclaimed production of The Harder They Come. more...
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Morgan McGhee, a graduate of AMDA and Clark Atlanta University, was thrilled to be part of the innovative and thought-provoking production of The Harder They Come, following her Broadway debut in Ain't Too Proud. more...
Jacob Ming-Trent, a seasoned performer with the Public Theater, brought his dynamic stage presence to "The Harder They Come" in a past production, showcasing his versatility at both the Astor Library and the Delacorte Theater. more...
Ken Robinson, a Yale-trained actor with Broadway credits including "Memphis" and "Baby It’s You!", brought his dynamic talent to the stage in "The Harder They Come," adding to his impressive repertoire that also features regional performances in "The Threepenny Opera" and "Ain’t Misbehavin’." more...
Housso Semon, who recently captivated audiences in The Harder They Come at the Public Theater, brings her remarkable talent to Suffs, with Broadway credits including The Lion King, Girl From The North Country, and Beautiful. more...
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Sir Brock Warren, who has an impressive background with performances at The Public, including a role in "The Harder They Come," brings a wealth of experience from both stage and screen. more...
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Christopher Henry Young, known for his regional performances in The Wiz and Guys & Dolls at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, brought his talents to the NYC workshops of Ain't Too Proud: The Temptations Musical, and was also featured in Tap: The Show with Matt Davenport Productions. more...
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