Blood Brothers
by Willy Russell

Name: Blood Brothers
Brand: Willy Russell
SKU: 9780573080647
Rating: 3.8 (5876 reviews)

Blood Brothers Book Cover — Blood Brothers Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 mins 1980s Expandable Casting Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes British

Awards & Recognition

Olivier Award Tony Award

Nominee: Six 1993 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book Winner! Two 1983 Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best Musical

Synopsis

Twin brothers are separated at birth.

One is given to wealthy Mrs. Lyons and they grow up as friends in ignorance of their fraternity until the inevitable quarrel unleashes a blood-bath.

Press Reviews

"The most exciting thing to have happened to the English musical theatre for years."
— Punch

"There are so many good things to shout and sing about in this new musical."
— Daily Mail

"A genuine crowd pleaser...Blood Brothers remains a one-of-a-kind show...and no musical theater fan should fail to experience it."
— Theater Week

"For years we have...longed for a show in which words and music, characterization and songs are given equal weight... Blood Brothers is such an event."
— Time Out

"Blood Brothers sparkles on Broadway. Willy Russell has the gift for heartbreak... This musical's power to terrify, amuse and beguile gallops along... It is impossible to leave Blood Brothers unmoved. Even people who don't like musicals will love this work."
— Connecticut Post

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
MRS. JOHNSTONE (MOTHER): F	female	—	—
emale, 30’s Original Mother of Mickey and Edward. After her husband walks out on her, she is left to take care of her children. Constantly trying to do what is best. Gets a job as a maid to support her children. While she tries her best, she cannot escape the society she has been born into.	female	—	Original Mother of Mickey and Edward. After her husband walks out on her, she is left to take care of her children. Constantly trying to do what is best. Gets a job as a maid to support her children. While she tries her best, she cannot escape the society she has been born into.
NARRATOR	male	—	—
ble “Did y’ hear the story of the Johnstone twins?” Takes the audience through the important sections of the story. Truthful, yet ominous at times. Also appears as Milkman 1, Gynaecologist, Bus Conductor, Milkman 2, Teacher, Rifle Range Man.	male	—	“Did y’ hear the story of the Johnstone twins?” Takes the audience through the important sections of the story. Truthful, yet ominous at times. Also appears as Milkman 1, Gynaecologist, Bus Conductor, Milkman 2, Teacher, Rifle Range Man.
MRS. LYONS	female	—	—
30’s Mrs. Johnstone’s employer. Kind with good intensions but puts herself first—no matter the cost. Adopts Edward out of desperation towards her own insecurities. A compulsive liar who gets in over her head.	female	—	Mrs. Johnstone’s employer. Kind with good intensions but puts herself first—no matter the cost. Adopts Edward out of desperation towards her own insecurities. A compulsive liar who gets in over her head.
MR. LYONS	male	—	—
0-40 Proper Gentleman from the upper class. Is tricked into thinking his wife has had a child while he was on an extended business trip. Constantly busy, and leaves the homely responsibilities up to his wife.	female	—	Proper Gentleman from the upper class. Is tricked into thinking his wife has had a child while he was on an extended business trip. Constantly busy, and leaves the homely responsibilities up to his wife.
MICKEY	male	—	—
20’s Blood Brother raised in the poor part of town by Mrs. Johnston. A trouble maker pressured by the rules of society.	male	—	Blood Brother raised in the poor part of town by Mrs. Johnston. A trouble maker pressured by the rules of society.
EDWARD	male	—	—
7-20’s Blood Brother raised in the upper class by Mrs. Lyons. Grows up with a privileged life due to his foster parents—From his opportunities with education to women.	male	—	Blood Brother raised in the upper class by Mrs. Lyons. Grows up with a privileged life due to his foster parents—From his opportunities with education to women.
SAMMY	male	—	—
’s Mickey’s Brother. A bully and bad influence on Mickey. Constantly a trouble maker.	male	—	Mickey’s Brother. A bully and bad influence on Mickey. Constantly a trouble maker.
LINDA	female	—	—
7-20’s A lovely girl from the neighborhood. Finds the attention of both Mickey and Edward.	female	—	A lovely girl from the neighborhood. Finds the attention of both Mickey and Edward.