Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer Protagonist Ivanhoe Martin, his granny grip (suitcase), transistor radio, gun-mouth pants and patent shoes brought Perry Henzell's The Harder They Come musical to life at the Adrienne Arsht Centre in Miami on Friday, August 28.

Making its debut on a United States stage 37 years after Henzell and the movie transformed the signature Jamaican sound of reggae into an international phenomenon, it wasn't Ivanhoe's costume and props that made the large audience reward the cast of 16 actors with a standing ovation. It was the top-class acting, sensational vocals and incredible dancing that had them salivating at the end of the 90-minute performance.

Landing on US soil, direct from London's West End, the musical, which began on August 28, will run to September 13 in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Harder They Come offers audiences a peek into the journey of an aspiring reggae star as depicted in the 1972 international breakthrough film. It showcases a young singer, Ivanhoe Martin (played by Rolan Bell, who was born in England of Jamaican parentage), who arrives in Kingston with dreams of becoming a reggae star. However, a corrupt and drug-fuelled music industry drives him into a fast and furious life as Jamaica's most wanted outlaw and most celebrated underground star.

Jimmy Cliff

Reggae legend and pioneer Jimmy Cliff starred in the '70s film of the same title, which catapulted the island's signature sound into a globally recognised and respected genre and turning Cliff into an international sensation.

And although Cliff did not occupy a seat in the theatre that Friday night, his prodigy ensured that his legacy was richly embedded in the minds of those in the theatre.

"Most of the cast have been with the production from its inception in 2006 at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in London and their talent and commitment continues to amaze me," commented Justine Henzell, daughter of Perry Henzell.

Justine, who has taken on her late father's role, is now officially the story editor. "Rolan Bell is a delight to watch reprising Jimmy Cliff's classic role as Ivan," she said admiringly.

Ensuring that her father's legacy remain lit, Justine said she can hear his voice in her head when she has to make a change to the script. "Sometimes I agree with it, sometimes I don't, just like when he was here," she admitted.

Glued to her late husband's handiwork, seated in the theatre was Henzell's widow and partner, Sally, with her son, Jason, and granddaughter Drew Brennan. "It was very emotional for me. This is the sixth opening night that I have been to and it is still emotional," she said.

Perry Henzell, described as a pioneer who influenced Jamaica's film industry, saw two of the musicals in London before he died in November 2006 at age 70.

"I have watched it evolve," said Sally, adding that from the first time she and Perry saw Rolan Bell they realised how charismatic he was and how good he would play the part of Ivanhoe Martin.

Without having to say more, the charisma Sally spoke of bursting at the seams during the performance and when Bell belted the lyrics to the The Harder They Come, he had mastered Cliff's intonations down pat.

"I am flattered; it's a lead role within a play that is very popular globally," the lead actor told The Sunday Gleaner.

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

For Justine, watching the actors onstage brings to mind, "The incredible talent of a young afro-British cast, many of them returning to the culture of their parents and grandparents with the film, and how wonderful that the story has endured over 30 years to be re-imagined as a musical which remains fresh and relevant."

Very excited

The Harder They Come probably would not have graced the stage as a musical had it not been for Jan Ryan of UK Arts who persuaded Perry Henzell to consider the idea. "Once she had convinced him then he got very excited and involved," said Justine.

She pointed out that it would be fantastic to have the musical return to its birthplace, but bemoans the serious challenge of appropriate venues for theatrical productions in Jamaica. "The Ward Theatre is in dire need of repairs and the Little Theatre is constantly booked," she stated.

While Justine dreams of bringing the production to Jamaica one day, the cast of The Harder They Come musical is overseas doing justice to a timeless Jamaican gem.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com