 Twin brothers separated shortly after birth lie reunited in death at both the rise and fall of the curtain of Willy Russell’s musical drama. Who is responsible? There are many suspects: two women who strike a deal to trade in human life; a younger woman whose love for both men will drive a wedge between them; an errant older brother whose trajectory towards crime seems inevitable; a certain weakness in will on the part of both of the boys which may be something to do with their having been robbed of their birthright of unity.
Grigware Talks Theatre
By Don Grigware
CRITIC'S PICK
Playwright Willy Russell, like most bold and sensitive writers, envisions something better for his brood of protagonists. Life for many of them, in Britain's lower middle class, is stifling: it depletes the mind as well as the pursestrings. Rita in Educating Rita seeks enlightenment; Shirley in Shirley Valentine wants real appreciation as a woman; Mickey's impoverished mother in Blood Brothers unconsciously wishes that the son she gave away reluctantly at birth will reap the benefits of his new privileged family.
As most major changes incur imperfections, there is a price to be paid, and sometimes that price is human life itself. Bryan Rasmussen's current production of Blood Brothers, which has been his dream child since he first saw the musical on the West End in 1983, is potently unforgettable. Within the small space of the Whitefire Theatre and with the aid of an outstanding cast, Russell's obsession with the effects of socio-economic struggle - the play is now placed in Southcentral Los Angeles - reverberates with the utmost clarity.
The winning ensemble is headed by Pamela Taylor as Mrs. Johnstone. Underprivileged and heartbroken, Johnstone is embued by Taylor with the tiniest grain of hope that shines brightly even at the end. Her performance both in word and song is a stunner. Eduardo Enrikez, an immensely talented actor, paints his Mickey with a wired energy and anguish that starts at age 7 and festers on into his all too brief manhood.
Ryan Nealy as Eddie and Sita Young as Linda make the sweetest of star-crossed lovers - we want them to be together, knowing all the while that it is out of the question. Judy Norton lends an edgy sensitivity to an otherwise icy, unbending Mrs. Lyons, and Gil Darnell takes the difficult role of the Narrator, a shadow on the wall and transforms him into an attractively imposing figure of authority. Nicolas Mongiardo-Cooper is a scene stealer as the devilish brother Sammy, and the rest: Mueen Jahan, Debra Arnott and Jess Busterna ably portray a number of parts, under Rasmussen's resourceful hand.
"Marilyn Monroe" that opens and "Tell Me It's Not True" that closes the play are haunting musical reminders that the action, as real as it seems, may very well be, like life itself, just an illusion.
Praise also to Victoria Profitt for her excellently practical set depiction of the two social worlds.
Hardly your typical musical, Blood Brothers is real drama with music and stays with you long after the curtain comes down, especially via this heartfelt rendering.
click this link for tickets! >>> www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/144783
(Theatre does not have tickets!)
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(yep, it's already time to plan for the HOLIDAYS!!!)
 This Holiday Tradition is brought to you by Bryan Rasmussen, the Artistic Director of The Whitefire Theatre. It is our annual celebration of holiday-themed stories and songs throughout history, each performed by a different person. This one-of-a-kind night is a perfect way to spend a cozy winter evening with family and friends. *< :o)
"A unique and worthy way to spend a December evening..." ~ Backstage West
“A truly moving xperience…” - The Tolucan Times
"Versatile and delightful...gives you a feeling of wanting to hold a mug of hot chocolate and just get cozy..." - The Tolucan Times
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 Every year The Loeser Bros. bring us their hilarious holiday hit, SANTASIA! And this year is no exception... Full of outrageous holiday fun, each sketch will have you doubled over with laughter, tears in your eyes. This is a rare Christmas treat not to be missed by any man, woman, or child over the age of 13. You can see it ten times and still catch new jokes and sight gags in every viewing. GET TICKETS NOW! THEY SELL OUT QUICKLY EVERY YEAR!
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