Blood Brothers Advance for Encore

AUBURN — “Blood Brothers,” the acclaimed musical about twins who are separated at birth and reunited in friendship as young men, opens on the Community Little Theatre (CLT) stage April 8.

It’s still running in London and it has become one of the longest-running productions in London’s musical theater history. This tale of life’s astonishing and sometimes cruel contradictions is presented by a cast of 14 actors directed by Celeste Philippon.

The story of “Blood Brothers” is also about the mothers, Philippon said. Their roles as members of the opposite ends of society lead to some challenging views for the audience about nurture vs. nature.

The central role of Mrs. Johnstone, the impoverished mother who can’t manage to care for two more babies, is played by Stefanie Lynn. She gives one of the boys to the wife of her wealthy employer, Mrs. Lyons, who is played by CLT veteran Cheryl Reynolds.

Lynn appeared in CLT’s production of “A Christmas Carol” and Reynolds was in CLT’s “Death Trap” and “The Full Monty.”

There were contradictions in the casting of the fraternal twins, but they work to remarkable advantage in the show, Philippon said.

One of the actors playing the twins is considerably older than the other, she said, but because they have physical similarities, they are successful in portraying fraternal twins.

One brother becomes a university graduate and the other struggles through unemployment and imprisonment.

Chris L’Hommedieu, new to the CLT stage, plays Mickey Johnstone. He is owner of L’Hommedieu Law Office in Lewiston, and is considerably older than the actor playing his brother.

Andreas Wyder, portraying Mickey’s twin, Edward Lyons, is 16 years old and a senior at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington. He played Japheth in this season’s CLT production of “Children of Eden” and he was Doody in “Grease.” He has been seen in productions by Monmouth Community Players, Sandy River Players and Theatre at Monmouth.

Mickey and Edward eventually meet and become inseparable friends, but their relationship is doomed when they fall in love with the same girl.

Sydney Browne, who played the title role in last summer’s CLT production of “Peter Pan,“ has the role of Linda, the young woman who has been a friend to the brothers since childhood.

Philippon said the story line of “Blood Brothers” is advanced by a narrator played by Mark Brann, who is making his CLT debut. His views, delivered in rhyme, express the conscience of the two mothers.

Significant musical numbers in the show are “Marilyn Monroe” and “Shoes Upon the Table.” Philippon said “Marilyn Monroe” is sung several times, but audiences should listen carefully for the differences in lyrics that contribute to the plot.

A powerful singing ensemble includes Guy Pilote, Adam Morris, Paige Berube, Andrew Leeman, Brandon Chaloux and Mary Turcotte.

Philippon, who also directed CLT productions of “Man of La Mancha” and “The Liar,” said “Blood Brothers” has a minimal set and proceeds without interruption for scene changes.

Much of the first act consists of several characters who must play their childhood years. Philippon said that experience was “eye-opening” for those actors.

Ron Bouffard is the show’s assistant director, Paul G. Caron is musical director, and Eileen Messina is the choreographer.

“Blood Brothers,“ written by Willy Russell, is based loosely on the 1844 novella “The Corsican Brothers” by Alexandre Dumas pere. The musical debuted in 1983, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Performances at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn, are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, April 8-9 and 15-16; 2 p.m. on Sundays, April 10 and 17; and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.LACLT.com or by calling or by calling 783-0958.