BLOOD BROTHERS Opens Season at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 9/9-9/18

A gripping tale of love and tragedy that has become a cult classic in Great Britain opens the 2011-12 season at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Pierrot Productions presents "Blood Brothers, the Musical" Fridays, Sept. 9 and 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sept. 10 and 17 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Sept. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Sept. 9.

Written by Willy Russell and loosely based on an Alexandre Dumas novella, the show tells the story of two boys, Eddie and Mickey, fraternal twins who are separated at birth. One grows up in a life of privilege, while the other faces poverty, unemployment and prison. The plot grows ever more complicated as the boys' lives repeatedly cross and they find themselves drawn not only to each other, but to the same young lady. A commentary on the British class system, the show's plot is driven by a narrator who manipulates the characters by playing off their superstitions and beliefs. He is the embodiment of one of the show's key themes: that life is a game.

Premiering in London's West End in 1983, "Blood Brothers" enjoyed a 1988 revival that has run ever since, making it one of the longest running musicals in theater history. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 1983, this haunting show features a memorable score including such numbers as "Bright New Day," "Marilyn Monroe," and the emotionally-charged hit, "Tell Me It's Not True."

Starring in "Blood Brothers" are: Vicky Czarnik of Hopewell as Mrs. Johnstone; Tiffany Dydak of Philadelphia, Pa., as Linda; Bryan Enright of Gloucester Township as Eddie; Ethan Levy of Plainsboro as Mickey; Cathy Liebars of Langhorne, Pa., as Mrs. Lyons; Jim Petro of Hamilton as the Narrator; Jon Rachlin of Bensalem, Pa., as Mr. Lyons; and Robert Rodriguez of Hamilton as Sammy. Also featured are Tom Bessellieu of Lawrence, Jaci D'Ulisse of Hamilton, Isaiah Davis of Hopewell, Kristin Keenan of Ewing, Tim Kline of Ewing and Erica Silver of Hamilton. The production is directed by Kat Kline with musical direction by Pam Sharples.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. (Some language may not be suitable for children.) Tickets may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or online after starting August 19 at www.kelseytheatre.net.

Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the theater. For the full schedule of adult and children's events for 2011-12, visit the Kelsey website or call the Box
Office.