The Harder They Come posts early closing notices
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE HARDER They Come has posted early closing notices at the Playhouse Theatre where it was initially booking until November 1, 2008. It will now close on September 13, 2008, after just three months of performances.
Previously Posted: Following sell out seasons at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and The Barbican, the stage adaptation of the iconic seventies film starring Jimmy Cliff, The Harder They Come, transfers to the West End’s Playhouse Theatre where it opens on June 9, 2008 (previews from May 23).
The Harder They Come is the story of country boy Ivan Martin who heads for the bright lights of Kingston, Jamaica hoping to become a reggae star. But when the harsh reality of the music scene drives him into a fast and furious life as an outlaw, he would rather die than kill his dream!
The Harder They Come – which was written by Perry Henzell, the co-writer, director and producer of the original film, who died in 2006 – features the songs You Can Get it if You Really Want, Many Rivers To Cross, Higher and Higher, Rivers of Babylon and, of course, the title song.
Stratford East Artistic Director Kerry Michael and Dawn Reid direct a cast that includes Rolan Bell (who has starred as Ivan in all previous productions), Jacqui Dubois, Derek Elroy, Victor Romero Evans, Joanna Francis, Matthew J Henry, Marlon King, Susan Lawson-Reynolds, Joy Mack, Marcus Powell, Joe Speare and Chris Tummings.
The Harder They Come is designed by Ultz, with choreography by Jacki Guy.
The Playhouse Theatre has been dark since the premature closure of Ring Round the Moon on March 29, 2008.