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THIS SUMMER’S BIGGEST REGGAE EVENT

THE HARDER THEY COME

PREMIERE IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END, THE MUSICAL BASED ON THE 1970’S CULT FILM THAT TRANSFORMED REGGAE MUSIC AND SINGER JIMMY CLIFF INTO INTERNATIONAL SENSATIONS

Tickets: $50 & $95

August 29 – September 13

Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in association with Jan Ryan, Robert Fox and Michael White are proud to present, for the first time in the United States, the Theatre Royal Stratford East and UK Arts production of the internationally acclaimed hit musical THE HARDER THEY COME, opening August 29 in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. Direct from London’s West End, THE HARDER THEY COME will offer audiences a peek into the journey of an aspiring reggae star as depicted in the 1972 international breakthrough film that caused a reggae music explosion heard around the world.

Hailed by Time Out as "a real thrill…the band is tight, the clothes are right – it’s a sure-fire smash hit,” THE HARDER THEY COME features a cast of 16 Jamaican-born performers and tells the story of young singer Ivanhoe Martin (played by Rolan Bell) as he arrives in Kingston, Jamaica with dreams of becoming a reggae star. A corrupt and drug-fueled music industry drives him into a fast and furious life as Jamaica’s most-wanted outlaw and most-celebrated underground star.

Reggae music star and pioneer Jimmy Cliff starred in the ‘70s film of the same title, which catapulted the island’s signature sound into a globally recognized and respected genre, turning Jimmy Cliff and reggae music in general, into an international sensation. "With top-class acting, singing and dancing, [this] superb production faithfully distils not just the movie’s music and characters, but also, somehow its soul” (The Standard).

"The Harder They Come made music history, introducing the world, and the United States in particular, to reggae music. Miami, in the summer of 2009, will be long remembered as the epicenter of cultural history as we host the U.S. premiere of this hit musical at the Adrienne Arsht Center,” said Adrienne Arsht Center President and CEO, M. John Richard. "With three international stage productions to enjoy this summer, including the return of last summer’s smash-hit Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz and the visual spectacular Fuerza Bruta, South Florida has a world of entertainment options that reflect the diversity of our resident community.”

Accompanied by a killer band of outstanding reggae musicians, the cast performs all the classic songs from the film soundtrack, including "By the Rivers of Babylon,” the title song, and the unforgettable global phenomenon, "You Can Get It If You Really Want.”

The fun and fashion of the fab 70s!

Gregory Isaacs, John Holt and Frankie Paul - Classic Reggae!

Great Vocalists Rule at the Jamaica Vintage Independence Celebration

Review by M. Peggy Quattro

The Jamaica Vintage Music Fest is becoming one of the must-see shows in South Florida.  In celebration of Jamaica's Independence, a group of the island's finest singers came together for a night of true niceness. From Rock Steady to Dancehall to the Cool Ruler himself, Club Cinema was packed with an all-ages audience eager for the music and ready to dance.

Code Red band was red hot and successfully backed a string of performers.  Early acts included Tenor Blue Ras Baba, Teena, and crowd favorite Honorebel.  General Degree brought back the fun back to Dancehall music and stormed his way into the fan's hearts with his hits, including "Pianist" and "Pass Mi My Cellular."  His braids and beads had the 90s singer looking as young and fresh as the gals glued to the front of the stage.  Next up was Singing Melody, in a mint green suit and white curl-toes shoes.  He owned the stage and filled the room with his
sweet voice, closing with his hit "Just As I Am."

Reggae's most famous tour manager, Copeland Forbes, was in the house celebratiang his birthday.  He was surprised on stage with a proclamtion commending him for his 40+ years in the Jamaican music business.  When the unmistakeable groan from Gregory Isaacs was heard, the rush to the front of the stage was lightning fast.  

Looking slick in his gray silk suit and trademark hat, Gregory performed well, despite being a bit ill.  He went through his decades of hits, including "Rumors," "Diamonds and Pearls," "Nightnurse," "Raggamuffin," "Front Door," "Mr. Brown," "Love is Overdue," and more.  

Photo Lynn Dearing

Although not quite vintage, singer Etana made her way onto the list of a "future vintage star."  She performed her hit "Roots" and songs off her latest CD.  A crack on the band was unnecessary and the energy slightly changed.

John Holt still commands the crowd when he steps on stage, and this night was no different.  In a stylish suit and ites wool cap, the dreaded crooner dashed from one edge of the stage to the other, singing and dancing and genuinely having a great time.  "Stick by Me," "Tribal War," "Wear You to the Ball," "If I Were a Carpenter," and "Tide is High" are just  few hits from his distinguised career that had the fans shouting for more. 

Photo by Lynn Dearing