Have you heard the story of the Johnstone twins?
Blood Brothers has been playing in London non-stop since 1988. The ongoing popularity is due in part to Russell's unusual score, with its Liverpudlian folk influences. It's not traditional musical theatre and, thankfully, far removed from the Andrew Lloyd Webber disease that afflicts so many modern British shows.
The cautionary tale tells of Mrs. Johnstone who gives up one of her newborn twins to the childless neighbour Mrs. Lyons. The boys grow up a few blocks apart, and although their mothers try to keep them apart, they naturally become best friends: Blood brothers. The divergent path of their adult lives leads to tragic consequences. Despite an uneven and overlong first act, the show manages to pack a powerful punch.
The seamless construction offers few natural breaks for applause to interrupt the action, but the opening night audience was on its feet applauding heartily at the curtain call. Part of the applause was for the show itself, but a good deal was reserved for the outstanding ensemble led by Sarah Haley Matte. Her Mrs. Johnstone covers every emotional base from light humour early on to anguish in her final number "Tell Me it's not True." This is easily the show's best song and it was beautifully sung.
Director Mario D'Alimonte has coaxed similarly detailed performances from Tim Vant as Mickey and Joshua Jacobs as Eddie, the unknowing twins. They have an even tougher assignment spending much of the first act playing young boys. That they are believable and avoid falling into caricature is a credit to all involved.
The other adults in the cast are equally good including Catherine Uy as Linda, the girl who loves them both and Marlene Matos-Jones as the superstitious Mrs. Lyons.
Best of all, Patrick Brown as the doom-prophesying narrator sings the complex score with passion yet plays several of the smaller roles with a refreshingly light touch. He remains on stage throughout, observing the action without ever pulling our focus. He also navigates the musical segments with ease allowing his voice to soar over the orchestra under the firm control of Ellen Kestenberg.
Adapting the piece for the smallish Encore stage, D'Alimonte uses an inventive minimalist approach. A collection of wooden blocks is re-configured by the cast to create the settings. It's a testament to both the actors and the director that the audience always understands where each scene is taking place.
Blood Brothers is a fascinating show and Encore Entertainment offers a first-class production.
Blood Brothers continues at the Studio Theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge Street until Sunday May 6. Evening performances are at 8 PM with a 2 PM matinee on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 416–733-0558.
