CASTING is now underway in Jamaica for the role of Ivan in the musical The Harder They Come which is set to make its debut off Broadway.

The musical, based on the 1972 Jamaican film of the same name, was first created for the stage in London, has toured extensively, but is now set to take root in New York — and the producers are adamant that Ivan, the lead character which was played by reggae icon Jimmy Cliff in the film, must be a Jamaican.

Local talent scout Nadean Rawlins, through her Raw Management Agency, has been charged to find the new Ivan for the New York-based production. She told the Jamaica Observer that while the response to the casting call has been good so far, her team is waiting to find that previously undiscovered talent who possesses all the attributes required to play this character.

“It was Justine Henzell [daughter of the film’s co-writer, producer and director Perry Henzell] who suggested to The Public Theater in New York, which is producing the musical, that Ivan must come from Jamaica. She wanted him to bring a similar experience as the character as someone coming from elsewhere into a new environment. In this case, the successful actor would be going to New York and as such would bring that sensibility to the character on stage,” said Rawlins.

“Since we issued the call the response has been overwhelming. So many persons are coming forward and are real triple threats… they can sing, dance and act. However, the truth is we are seeing a lot of familiar faces. I’m not sure if we are not reaching the grassroot but I’d love to unearth that raw natural talent, that untapped artist for this role. The truth is, casting calls have also been issued in the UK and across the US but we are all looking for that Jamaican to play this iconic role,” Rawlins emphasised.

She also noted that while the ability to sing, dance and act are prerequisites, the desire to take to the stage trumps them all and is the most important factor.

“There has to be that desire…. a hunger to sing, dance and act in a musical. It is no easy feat. A musical in New York is eight shows a week, so the successful candidate must also demonstrate that little thing… a willingness and desire to step into that stage night after night and please and audience. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for any actor, but the truth is that this opportunity comes with a lot of work. That said, I would say ‘Make sure you can sing and act. The movement and choreography staff will help you if you fall short in this area, but the other two are requirements,’ ” she cautioned.

For that person who is out there and is uncertain, Rawlins offered words of encouragement.

“I like to tell people that to do well in this business you must be unafraid to [try] something new. Be willing to lose yourself and take a character, take direction, and be open to the instruction and guidance of a director,” she shared.

The Harder They Come the musical is coming to New York at a time when the film is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The film tells the story of Ivan, a young man from rural Jamaica who comes to capital city Kingston to make a life for himself. He is later drawn to the lights of the music industry and soon discovers its dark underbelly and is forced to take matters into his own hands, with tragic results.