Book and New Songs: Suzan-Lori Parks
Music: Jimmy Cliff
Director: Matthew Xia
Natey Jones is a real star in this new musical version of cult film The Harder They Come. He works incredibly hard as country boy Ivan, newly arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, to forge a music career. His performance of the title song towards the end of the first half quite rightly brings the house down. But unfortunately, nothing before or after matches this dazzling moment.
One of the problems is the show’s length, currently running at three hours, much longer than the original 1972 film. The second half is a little repetitive as Ivan runs from the police, and, compared to the first half, there are fewer songs. And the other problem is Suzan-Lori Parks’ resolve to turn the gritty, violent movie into a feel-good musical. Songs which could easily stand on their own are now given harmonies, and worse, key changes. The rendition of Many Rivers To Cross is as bad as the title song is good.
So it is down to Jones to carry the show. And he does extremely well, quickly getting the audience onside in his quest to record a single at the prestigious Hilton Studios in West Kingston. Faithful to the film, Ivan is thwarted at every turn as he discovers that the music industry is a monopoly run by Mr Hilton, who offers a measly $20 for The Harder They Come. A steal, for sure.
Danny Bailey gives a winningly cheeky performance as drug-dealer José, and Thomas Vernal gives a smooth swagger to Mr Hilton, who appears to run the town as well as the music industry. Elsa, Ivan’s love interest, is played by Madeline Charlemagne. She has a beautiful singing voice, best demonstrated in Rebel In Me, her duet with Ivan, nicely presented as a bike ride to the coast. The production’s most famous actor is Jason Pennycooke, playing the role of the preacher.
Shelley Maxwell’s exuberant choreography retains the skanking and stomping of early ska and reggae, and Jessica Cabassa’s costumes are colourful, complementing the pastel hues of Simon Kenny’s shantytown set. But often, the main playing space is wasted with some action taking place in Ivan and Elsa’s room, situated high at the back of the stage. Regrettably, the band is hidden from view.
Stratford East last had a hit with this show in 2005, and it was awarded a West End transfer, but Parks’ version, first seen in New York’s Public Theater in 2023, may not receive similar accolades. However, go and see it for Natey Jones.
Runs until 1 November 2025
