Strong powerful singing voices  perfect comic timing and dramatic flair

"Chatswood Musical Society have presented some big musical productions in the past, Gypsy, Thoroughly Modern Millie and more recently Guys And Dolls, and they continue this grand tradition with their current production of Blood Brothers. Blood Brothers is Willy Russell’s famous and iconic story of two brothers separated at birth, one raised by a wealthy family and the other raised by his real mother in almost poverty, and explores the twin’s interaction over the course of about 30 years. CMS always employ a strong cast and this ensemble is no exception. Strong powerful singing voices, as well as perfect comic timing and dramatic flair, all help to make this a great production.

Brand new Director Chapin Ayers knows how to get the most from her cast and her smart choice to use the same actors to play the characters at age 7, 14, 21 and beyond, is inspired. Blake Erickson and Peter Meredith as the twins look like they are having an absolute ball acting like children and they are very convincing, the “play” scenes are some of the shows many highlights. These two bounce off each other effortlessly and are spellbinding to watch. Erin Mascord-Perez plays the sinister “mad woman on the hill” to evil perfection, and Robert Taylor is sublime as her hen-pecked husband.

The two stand-out performances, however, are Daley Chaston as the play’s Narrator – he goes from serious story-teller to a maniacal “devil incarnate” perfectly, as he takes us on this journey into madness. Then there is the incredible Jenny Lynn as Mrs Johnstone, she is on stage for almost the entire 2.5 hours and belts out each song with such gusto that you can tell she is totally relishing every moment of her performance. Along with these two, the entire ensemble sing, dance and act their way into your hearts and play a multitude of characters seamlessly.

Ranging from moments of hysterical comedy to very, very dark scenes, this play is a roller-coaster of emotions that rockets towards its finale. Right from the outset you now how it’s going to end, yet you are still shocked when it finally happens.

Simon Greer’s set design is simple but effective and the frequent scene changes in Act 2 are slick and smooth.

This is a must-see production, but hurry as it closes this Saturday 30th May."