CMU School of Drama


Thursday, March 16, 2023

Review Roundup: Suzan-Lori Parks' THE HARDER THEY COME Opens At The Public Theater

www.broadwayworld.com: Fifty years after the film premiered in New York City, the musical features a book and additional new songs by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, songs by legendary musician Jimmy Cliff, music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Kenny Seymour, choreography by Edgar Godineaux, co-direction by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, and direction by Tony Award nominee Tony Taccone. The production began performances in the Newman Theater on Thursday, February 16 and officially opens on Wednesday, March 15.

2 comments:

John Alexander Farrell said...

The review roundup for "The Harder They Come" on Broadway World is a testament to the power of live theatre to transport audiences to another world. The show, which is based on the classic Jamaican film of the same name, tells the story of a struggling musician who rises to fame and fortune, only to be brought down by the corrupt music industry.

The reviews for the show are overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the performances, music, and direction. One reviewer called the show "an explosion of sound and color," while another described it as "a triumph of theatricality."

What stands out most about the reviews, however, is the sense of joy and celebration that permeates them. Many critics note the infectious energy and enthusiasm of the performers, and the way in which the music and storytelling come together to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.

At a time when the world can often feel divided and uncertain, "The Harder They Come" reminds us of the power of art to bring people together and uplift our spirits. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the enduring power of live theatre to inspire and entertain us.

Abby Brunner said...

The Harder they Come was originally a movie and 50 years later it is now on Broadway at the Public Theatre. Suzan-Lori Parks, who is a Pulitzer prize winner and one of my favorite writers wrote the book and additional songs for this show. However, some of the reviews were less than kind to this new adaptation and pushed to tell the audience that even though it is bright and shiny, the store is anything but. It was also surprising to read that some critics thought the musical score was too shiny and repetitive in style, and that they tried too hard to please the audience while also honoring the Jamaican roots of the story.
This musical is intriguing to me because there are not a lot of shows on Broadway that showcase different types of music and cultures. I hope that the run is successful in helping bring Caribbean culture to Broadway and telling a story of hope and dreams. Next time I’m in New York, and if this musical is still playing, I would love to go and see it.