Bloody Good Show

Dan Hoffman Arizona Daily Wildcat Eddie (played by Jay Haddad, right) and Mickey (played by Tate Allen, left) become blood brothers in a childhood scene from the musical "Blood Brothers." The performance shows at the UA Laboratory Theatre through March 1.

Set in Liverpool, the musical production traces the lives of twin brothers who are separated at birth and raised in opposite social classes, rich and poor. The show has already done extremely well in both London's West End and on Broadway. Now the UA Department of Theatre Arts brings it to the Laboratory Theatre stage.

"The play deals with class division, something that is true today; it is a story that reveals what can happen if we let things go too far," said David Barzilai, who narrates the production.

The simple plot line of the story doesn't do justice to the performances, which are almost too alive - a roller coaster of emotions can be seen on the faces of each audience member as the story plays out.

"The audience will laugh and cry, be touched by touching moments," said Jay Haddad, who plays the role of Eddie, the rich twin.

It's difficult to pinpoint which aspect of the production makes it such a powerful theatrical experience. However, without a cast that shines, the story is merely words on a page.

In "Blood Brothers," the group of actors exemplifies a technique rarely seen on the stage these days: team performance. There is no spotlight on one actor, no standing ovation for the "lead." The performers skillfully balance their talents to create a unified, heartwarming production.

"It was an amazing learning experience for me," said Linda Bukata, who plays the role of Mrs. Johnstone, the poor mother. "A pure ensemble effort, we find the life and vibrance in the script that needs to reach the audiences."

"Blood Brothers" also contains the kinds of memorable musical numbers audiences will later be singing outside the theater door, or venturing to the music store to purchase; the kinds of songs that remain in your head long after seeing a particularly exciting piece of musical theater.

"Marilyn Monroe," the opening song in this production, is instantly uplifting - the sounds you would want to hear on a rainy day, when the sun has temporarily vanished. Equally touching is the finale, "Tell Me It's Not True," which emphatically summarizes the tragedy in the story, featuring the lines "Did you hear the story about the Johnstone twins?/They were born and died on the same day."

"The lyrics tell the story. If you miss the lyrics you miss the show," said Amber Tomblin, who plays the role of Linda, the woman both brothers fall for.

When we travel to a theater to watch a production we expect the actors, music, costumes and scenery to be visible. What makes this performance so refreshing is the depth of real life which boldly unfolds for the audience. It moves the theater experience to a new, somewhat shocking level.

"This play is not what people think of when they think musical theater. It is not like any other musical seen, heard, or done," said Tate Allen, who plays Mickey, the poor brother.

The performers do not simply dance, sing, and recite lines for their audience; a deeper, more chilling feeling fills the theater. A piece of white paper and dull crayons become the core symbol of the production. Covered with childlike sketches as the lights appear on stage, blank at the final scene, the paper symbolizes change that can only be faced if we open our eyes to the harsh realities of life.

"Everyday that I work on Blood Brothers, I think of my sons and I consider the many paths their lives could have taken. The play reminds me that I must always do more to put my marks on the blank paper of their lives," said director Doug Finlayson.

Every once in a while, there's a performance of one type or another that is particularly moving and memorable; " Blood Brothers" is this type of theater experience. Without giving too much away, audiences can look forward to a gathering of incredible talents, vibrant music and gripping plot line. It's a must see.

"Blood Brothers" is showing now at the Laboratory Theatre, Drama West Building, UA Campus, through March 1. Tickets are available through the UA Fine Arts Box Office. For more information on this production call the box office at 621-1162.