Micky (Rob Milanic) and Edward (Jonathan Udlock) in”Blood Brothers.” Photo courtesy of The British Players.
Many of us face tough choices in our lives, but those choices become much more difficult when placed in circumstances unimaginable to most of us. This is explored in the classic British musical, “Blood Brothers,” book, lyrics, and music by Willy Russell, presented by The British Players.
While not often seen on this side of “the pond,” “Blood Brothers” was a smash hit in the UK. It ran in the West End, London’s equivalent to Broadway, for an incredible 24 years and was seen by more than 10 million people either there or on one of the countless national tours. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1983. For an unknown reason, the show never really took hold in the US theatre zeitgeist, with its Broadway run lasting only two years, and it is rarely produced in regional or community theaters.
The cast, as a unit, was tight and delivered this difficult story with respect and gravitas.
“Blood Brothers” is the sad tale of Mrs. Johnstone (Lauren-Nicole Gabel) who, like many young women of their time in the UK in the 1950s and 60s, found herself with too many children to support and abandoned by her husband. With bills piling up and too many hungry mouths to feed, she thinks she has found salvation when she gets a job cleaning house for the posh Mrs. Lyons (Lisa Singleton). When she finds out that not only is she pregnant again, but this time it is twins, she despairs about what to do. That is when Mrs. Lyons offers her a terrible bargain—to give one of the twins to her to raise. She and her husband (Bob Schwartz) cannot have children and she could raise one of the children in safety and comfort. Mrs. Johnstone reluctantly agrees, but almost immediately regrets her decision, especially when Mrs. Lyons proclaims that if separated twins ever find out the truth, they are cursed to immediately die.
Seven years pass and one day, by chance, the two boys Mickey (Rob Milanic) and Edward (Jonathan Udlock) meet and become friends. When their mothers find this out, they do everything to try and keep them apart. Along the way they both meet and fall in love with Linda (Elizabeth Weiss) and are influenced by Mickey’s volatile older sibling, Sammy (Megan Hastie). While there are moments of joy as their lives go by, there is always a shadow hanging over them, emphasized by the Narrator (Doug Richesson), and, that at any moment, the terrible lie that connects these two young men will be exposed and countless lives changed forever. What will become of these blood brothers if they ever learn the truth?
This is where the mission of The British Players becomes so clear and really shows its value and distinction to the DMV theatre community. This musical, with its haunting music and compelling story, is such a wonderful example of the unique perspective brought by this theatre company by focusing specifically on British playwrights, British settings, and British stories. This show is not often seen stateside, so this is an excellent chance to experience this masterpiece. The music was gorgeous and melodic and even though I was wholly unfamiliar with it, I enjoyed it immensely.
This production is a beautiful representation of the source material with a stellar cast. To this reviewer, the standouts are the eponymous brothers. Udlock moved from a childlike innocence to a charismatic young man, expertly managing both comedic and dramatic beats. Milanic gave one of the most impressively physical performances I have ever seen onstage. The control and expression of his body helped to deliver an amazing performance, along with expert accent work. As the mothers, Gabel and Singleton also gave captivating performances in roles that were nuanced and challenging. Richesson was also exemplary as the narrator, providing both exposition and menace. Weiss went toe to toe with both brothers ably. She delivered a simultaneously endearing and heartbreaking performance. Schwartz handled multiple roles with ease, providing excellent support throughout the show, as did Michael Abendshein. Hastie also brought nuance to a character that could have just been a throwaway bully role. The cast, as a unit, was tight and delivered this difficult story with respect and gravitas.
This show also benefitted from an excellent technical team. Director Noah Morowitz did a great job presenting this unseen gem to a new audience. The set design by Mike Lewis and Claire Palace was diverse and well-done, and the lighting by Ken and Patti Crowley really enhanced the action. The costumes by Nicola Hoag were impressive, especially the ones worn by the brothers and Linda, conveying the differences in class and expertly reflecting the time period. Hair and makeup design by Cathy Dunn also helped to enhance the era of the 60s.
I highly suggest that you check out “Blood Brothers” before it disappears again. Who knows when you might get another chance to see this quintessentially British piece of theatre.
Running time: Approximately two hour ands 30 minutes with on 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Due to violence, some language and adult subject matter, recommended for audiences 15 and older.
“Blood Brothers” runs through June 24, 2023, presented by The British Players at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St, Kensington, MD 20895. For more information and tickets, go online.
