Search - Willy Russell :: Blood Brothers (1988 London Revival Cast)

Simple is Best.

tvtv3 | Sorento, IL United States | 02/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BLOOD BROTHERS became my favorite musical of all time after seeing the show in London several years ago. The show is about two twin brothers who are separated at birth and raised in different homes but eventually become best friends of the closest kind, blood brothers. The show realistically displays the problems with the class system in England and the great divide that separates the rich from the poor."Marilyn Monroe" is the theme of the musical and it's flowing melody pops up throughout the soundtrack. "Bright New Day" is a cheery tune that ends the first act; it is a song full of hope and promise of grand things to come. The last song on the cd is "Tell Me It's Not True", a haunting melody that sticks with the listener long after the stereo has been turned off. My favorite song on the cd is "I'm Not Saying a Word" a ballad that speaks of a perfect, yet unrequited love.They don't make too many shows like BLOOD BROTHERS in the U.S. anymore: a simple story with a strong social and moral message supported by a strong score and soundtrack yet not backed by any huge blockbuster dance numbers. That is unfortunate. However, until they do, one can listen to BLOOD BROTHERS and be reminded that sometimes simple is best."

Move over Cats!

Jason | Baltimore, MD | 10/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I don't think critics would put this play above "Cats," but then again, when have the critics have been right? I first saw this play in London a few years ago, and I fell in love with it. Without giving away the ending,(which unfortunately the soundtrack does-that's my only complaint) this play tells the story of two brothers separated at birth, and their journey as they form a friendship, unaware of their family ties. The entire play is a flashback, so in essence, you know how the play is going to end, but that doesn't matter. "Marilyn Monroe" is probably the most powerful song in the play which is evident by it's reoccurence, and the occasional references to her in the dialogue. It's kind of eerie how much her life models the life of the brothers' lives, which adds to the power of the song. "Shoes Upon the Table" is a strong song, due mainly to the fact that it is sung by the narrator. In the play, the narrator is like a shadow who lurks in the background, and foreshadows disaster, so when he sings about the shoes, there is a very powerful message of superstition. He is actually my favorite character, and I think his strength comes through well on this recording. "Bright New Day" is exactly what it sounds like-- it's the end of the first act, and there are signs of hope, but like clockwork, the narrator shows up not too long after the second act begins. Again, since I don't want to give away too much because I want you to see the play yourself, I will say that the last track, "Tell Me It's Not True" is a powerful song whose message is easy to relate to. Anyone who has suffered like Mrs. Johnstone does in the play can understand what she sings about, and it is a very strong end to the CD. I highly recommend this CD to everyone, but because it does kind of give away too much of the plotline, I do highly recommend seeing the play before buying this recording."

Heartbreaking story of two brothers

R. C. Kopf | Seattle, WA United States | 06/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i am an american who first saw blood brothers performed live while living in london. though the class issues at the heart of this have a uniquely british veneer, i found it to be one of the most heartbreaking & powerful musicals i've ever seen. many of the themes are universal.



if you ever have the chance to see this in person, go see it. if not, the album is the next best."