“Blood Brothers” bloody brilliant.

Play Review

by

David L. Hansen

for the Daily Press

From the first notes of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, director Ed Dwyer ingeniously pulls the audience into a story that is both epic and mythical. The story revolves around a single mother who is tempted into giving away one of her new born twins to her wealthy employer, ensuring a proper upbringing for at least one of her sons. As the story moves on we see the twins, unaware they are brothers, cross paths and become caught up in a destiny that can only end in hardship.

Karin Beveridge (Mrs. Johnstone) brings the mother wonderfully to life. The pain of her loss touches the audience instantly. Cathy Wilson superbly acts as her employer, the vulture-like Mrs. Lyons. The scene where she emerges from the shadows to collect her new child is a truly chilling moment.

The twins are superbly brought to life by Pete Ammel (Mickey) and Mike Rudden (Edward). The moment Ammel arrives on stage the audience cannot take their eyes off of him. His mannerisms and energy are joys to watch. Rudden offers a sterling opposite with upper class charm and innocence.

Rebecca Kraemer (Linda) is the brothers’ love interest. Her feisty tomboy attitude undergoes a believable maturity and we sympathize with the choices she makes. Jeff Woerpel does a solid job in the role of the disreputable elder brother, Sammy. Kevin Badenhop (Mr. Lyons) is a wonderfully believable British patriarch. Running throughout the story like a satanic P.T. Barnum is the Narrator, cleverly constructed and fiendishly delivered by Lynn Soderberg. To round off we are given the delightful treat of a fully entertaining company. Their song, Kids Game, made me remember stories my dad told me of growing up in Northtown.

The set is a versatile playground for the actors with credit going to designer Jamie Peterson. The orchestra supplies a professional grade accompaniment proving Tom Knoll still has the magic touch for conducting. Leading this talented bunch is Ed Dwyer who delivers a powerful story. It is rare a reviewer runs out of space before running out of words but “Blood Brothers” deserves more than what can be said here. It is, simply put, a must see.