Blood Brothers

• Book, Music and Lyrics by Willy Russell
• Full Length Musical, Drama, 1960s, 1980s, 1970s
• 5M, 3F
• ISBN: 9780573080647

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

Punch

A full bodied musical, a wonderful melodrama that is also a thoroughly modern ballad opera.

Wall Street Journal

• Full Length Musical
• Drama
• 120 minutes

• Time Period: 1960s, 1980s, 1970s
• Target Audience: Adult
• Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
• Cautions: Drugs, Alcohol, Mild Adult Themes
• Orchestra Size: Small/Combo

• Performance Group:
• Large Stage, Community Theatre, High School/Secondary, Professional Theatre, Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups, College Theatre / Student

• Accolades:
• Nominated! 6 Tony Awards

• Casting: 5M, 3F
• Casting Attributes: Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle), Expandable casting
• Casting Notes: The original production of Blood Brothers included only three chorus members. This number can be expanded to any number your organization requires.

MRS. JOHNSTONE (MOTHER): Female, 30s (Range: Mezzo Soprano, F3-C5) - 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, Age Flexible (Range: Rock Tenor, G3-G4) - "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, 30s (Range: Mezzo Soprano, B3-D5) - Mrs. Johnstone's employer. Kind with good intentions 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, 30-40 (Range: Ensemble/Non Singing) - 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, Plays 7-20s (Range: Bari Tenor, D3-E4) - Blood Brother raised in the poor part of town by Mrs. Johnstone. A trouble maker pressured by the rules of society.
EDWARD: Male, Plays 7-20s (Range: Tenor, D3-A4) - 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, Plays 7-20s (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) - Mickey's Brother. A bully and a bad influence on Mickey. Constantly a trouble maker.
LINDA: Female, Plays 7-20s (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) - A lovely girl from the neighborhood. Finds the attention of both Mickey and Edward.
CHORUS - Catalogue Man, Finance Man, Children, Policemen, Neighbours, Wedding Guests, Doleites, Councillors, Nurses, Judge