"Blood Brothers" Wraps Up Sunday Afternoon

The musical Blood Brothers wraps up its run at ACTC Sunday afternoon, and the show has some great supporters - they've bombarded us with comments about the show. In case you missed them, here's a sample:

I recently saw Blood Brothers the Musical in Ashland and I must say I have been seeing shows at that college for over five years and this by far was the best thing on that stage.

I have never seen as much talent hit that stage as this show offers. The five people that stick out of course are the main characters. First off the Narrator (Bill Hannah) has a fantastic voice and great stage presence. The rich mother Mrs. Lyons (Allison Conley) was simply delightful and has a powerful singing voice.

The costumes for everyone are stunning and fun. Now Mrs. Johnstone (Lindsey Taylor) has owned that role she has a good voice and acting to match it. Edward the rich brother (Tommy Gilipse) really plays a proper rich boy to a "T"! He along with the poor brother Mickey (Zach Davis) play and feed off another perfectly. You don't want to miss any action of theirs. Now Zach was the best I have seen in several years. He portrays all ages distinctively. His singing is the strongest it had ever been. I must say I have never seen him play a serious role like at the end but he can do it. He really has the audience in tears several times.

Zach and Tommy really complete each other and are a duo anyone would want in a show. This show has so many emotions and is simply beautiful. Everyone was perfection!

Next:

The music in Blood Brothers is some of the best music I've ever heard. The tunes stick with you. I must agree with the first comment that all characters are very strong in their parts... acting and singing. Zach Davis who plays Mickey really gets to you emotionally. Also, the twins best friend Linda, played by Lauren Saltsman, does a great job acting. She falls in love with both boys. Mr. Lyons played by Roger Hagley is an important character also. I must say the music is the best part!

Go see this show, you won't be disappointed! Oh yeah, bring some tissues.

Next:

I must comment about this because nobody else has. Mrs. Johnstone, played by Lindsay Taylor, has one of the best singing voices to hit the ACTC stage in a very long time. I also saw her in A Little Night Music last spring where she had to sing The Miller's Son. She gives me goosebumps. Unbelievable! Her voice is sensational, strong, and passionate in every song. The ending was to die for! Literally!

Lauren Saltsman (Linda) wasn't mentioned in the first post and absolutely should have been. She's a fantastic young actress and pleasure to watch with the two twins, Mickey (Zach Davis) and Eddie (Tommy Gillespie). Tommy is spot on with the character of Eddie, and Zach has nailed the different ages of the young men as they grow up.

Allison Conley who plays Mrs. Lyons was great as well and so was Roger Hagley who played her husband Mr. Lyons. The music is fantastic and the story is just as great! I walked out of there singing the "We'll go dancing" and the "Marilyn Monroe" lines for days. It's still stuck with me! This show is an absolute must see for the tri-state area!

Finally:

I must agree with the other writers, this is Zach Davis' best performance ever. The other actors in the production are excellent as well. Tommy Gillespie and Zach work extremely well with each other. This show was shortchanged on Broadway and is a must see. This is the last weekend!

That last show runs today at 2:30 p.m. - check it out!