The production will run at the theatre from the 13th September until the 25th October.
Rehearsal images have now been released for the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name, having its UK premiere in Stratford this Autumn.
The Harder They Come has been adapted by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess)and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, Skeleton Crew). It will officially open at the Stratford East Theatre on the 23rd September.
The cast for the production includes: Danny Bailey as José, Josie Benson as Daisy, Craig Blake as Ray, Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa, Natey Jones as Ivan, Jason Pennycooke as Preacher, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Pedro, and Thomas Vernal as Hilton. The ensemble includes Chanice Alexander-Burnett (who also serves as cover for Elsa), Lori Barker (On Stage Swing), Ashh Blackwood, Aisha Davis (who also covers the role of Daisy), Kage Douglas (On Stage Swing), Robert Grose (covering the roles of Ray & José), Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo, Jack Matthew (covering the role of Pedro), Newtion Matthews (covering the roles of Preacher & Hilton), and Marcellus Whyte (covering the role of Ivan).
The musical tells the story of Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar.
After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, Ivan learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant. As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the most-wanted list of criminals.
This unmissable show transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica and asks us the question: “What is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice?”
The creative team includes: Simon Kenny (Set Designer), Jessica Cabassa (Costume Designer), Ciarán Cunningham (Lighting Designer), Tony Gayle (Live Sound Designer), Nicola T. Chang (Sound Designer – Sound Effects & Soundscape), Shelley Maxwell (Choreographer & Intimacy Director), Gino Ricardo Green (Video Designer), Ashton Moore (Musical Director & Vocal Arrangements), Benjamin Kwasi Burrell (Orchestrator and Music Arrangements), Luke Bacchus (Assistant Musical Director & Keys 2), Heather Basten (Casting Director), Dominique Hamilton (WHAM Designer & Supervisor), Claire Llewellyn for RC Annie (Fight Director), Aundrea Fudge (Voice and Dialect Coach), Emily Aboud (Assistant Director), Claire Nicholas (Costume Supervisor), Andy Reader (Production Manager), Marie-Angelique St. Hill (Company Stage Manager), Emily Davis (Deputy Stage Manager), and Emily Mei-Ling Pearce and Dynzell Muguti (Assistant Stage Managers).
To book tickets visit: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-harder-they-come