Blood Brothers

[WillParker]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 12:45pm

Couple of questions on this show--

Which recording is the best? A friend lent me her copy of the Pet Clark/Cassidy brothers version, and I wasn't totally bowled over.

How is the book of the show? While I was listening to the CD last nite & today, I thought the score was "nice" with only 1 or 2 standout songs...I was thinking that the book must be better for the show to have as many supporters as it does, and to be running so long in London (it is still running, isnt it?)

How is the show as a complete package? I've read so much about how fantastic it is, but just judging from the recording, I dont see why. Can anyone elaborate?

Does anyone know where I can find a full, detailed synopsis online? I've not been able to locate one this morning.

Thanks muchly!!

[robyn525600]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 12:47pm

I think the London version with Kiki Dee is the best.

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 12:49pm

If you can find the recording with Stephanie Lawrence (might be out of print) it's the most solid recording. The show's pretty good, it holds up better onstage than the CD might imply. It wasn't a monumental moment of theater but I enjoyed the show enough.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 12:59pm

The 1988 Kiki Dee London recording is also my favorite. The entire cast is strong. Second would be the 1995 Stephanie Lawrence London cast. The Clark/Cassidy recording is probably the worst of the lot. Clark is simply annoying and Russell just doesn't have the vocal strength for the Narrator. The Cassidy boys aren't bad, but not great, either.

[actorgaedu]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 1:02pm

Yeah this is a great show for the stage, if done right, can be powerful and emotional for the audience. I directed a production back in 1998 in upstate NY and received great feedback on the show. Plus, my cast was wonderful and really wanted to put all of their abilities into this show. I loved it, Love it, and will continue to love it! Here is a link I found online that might ive you some more info, and yes the 1995 cast recording is wonderful as is the 1988 Kiki Dee one. Either will give you the music you are looking for. Hope this helps!

http://groups.msn.com/bloodbrothersonline/

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 3:44pm

Don't judge the London run of anything as a success. They run shows forever over there, even when they are mediocre.

I think the Stephanie Lawrence version or Kiki Dee is best. There is also a version with Barbara Dickson which is good. The mother needs to have an extremely powerful voice to pull this show off.

Even though I like the show, there are a couple of problems with it.

Grownup actors play children. If not done properly, it can really be annoying.

The Marilyn Monroe motif goes on too many times. When the mother compares her jailbird son to Marilyn Monroe, it's a little much.

One of the themes of the story is difference between the classes, which is felt more in Britain than in the U.S.

[tpdc]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 4:47pm

I enjoyed the show on Broadway. Lawrence was lovely and Con O'Neil was fantastic. It's a simple show, but when done right, it can really grab you. I like all the recorded version, though I might choose Kiki Dee if I had to pick one. Lawrence was great live. Clark was better live than on the recording. Her singing of Tell Me It's Not True was beuatiful. Dickson is also quite wonderful on disc. I think Kiki Dee's version is the stongest album overall though.

[Deena Jones2]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 7:26pm

Get the Stephanie Lawrence CD for the best Mrs. Johnston. I think Kiki Dee is also a close second. Buy the Kiki Dee version for the Con O'Neill- just brilliant-the definitive Mickey!!

Forget Petula's recording- She's seen better days. Her vocals are poor. Davis and Shaun Cassidy are fine. David was amazing live! Willy Russell should not sing.