My Blood Brothers Holy Grail: The 1995 London Cast Recording with Stephanie Lawrence

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Hey everyone! Let's dive into a musical treasure I've been wanting to share with you all: the 1995 London Cast Recording of "Blood Brothers." This isn't just any recording; it's a personal favorite, a jewel in my collection, and frankly, an absolute must-listen for any musical theatre lover!

Rewind to the early '90s, after my time in New York. I was making frequent trips back, fuelled by an "all you can ride" Greyhound pass (those were the days!), chasing the thrill of seeing whatever I could on Broadway. One trip, aiming to see "Phantom of the Opera" again, I stopped off at the Marriott Marquis to use the restroom and grabbed one of the tourist magazines to pass my time in there and stumbled upon an ad for "Blood Brothers" at the Music Box Theatre. What caught my eye? Many of the original London cast were there, including the phenomenal Stephanie Lawrence, whose voice I adored from the "Starlight Express" recording.

That trip, I only managed to see "Blood Brothers," thanks to the fact that the YMCA and the other hostels I'd tried to check into asked for my ID and I was only 17 and they weren't letting me check in. I opted to see the show I'd not seen before and it was a life-changing experience. And after seeing Stephanie Lawrence on stage, then taking the bus back home while listening to the 1988 recording of the same show (which had different orchestrations), all I could think was…I need to have her version!

Stephanie Lawrence's performance as Mrs. Johnstone is nothing short of iconic. Her portrayal is so raw, so emotionally charged, that you feel every ounce of her character's journey. It's truly a crime that a full video recording with her doesn't exist. I've seen other incredible performers in the role over the years – Petula Clark, Carole King, Helen Reddy – and they were all fantastic, but Stephanie Lawrence…she just was Mrs. Johnstone for me. She brought a unique vulnerability and strength to the role that resonated so deeply. This recording is a testament to her artistry and her unforgettable performance!

"Blood Brothers" itself is an emotional rollercoaster of a show and this cast recording captures every high and low perfectly. The story, opening with the heartbreaking "Tell Me It's Not True," then flashing back to the 1950s in Liverpool, is gripping. Mrs. Johnstone’s story, her sacrifices, her love for her children, it’s just so moving. The play itself does a great job of starting at the ending with a very emotional piece and then it takes the audience on a ride through a very well written, emotional, dramatic story.

Then Act Two comes along and the twins grow up, the tension builds, and the story gets deeper. I was absolutely on the edge of my seat when I saw this live. This recording captures the tension beautifully!

Fast forward to 1995. Another NYC trip for an audition and on my way out, another visit to Colony Records (a must for any theatre fan, right?), and there it was – THREE "Blood Brothers" recordings! The New Zealand Cast, the International Cast with Petula Clark and the Cassidy brothers and the 1995 London Cast Recording with Stephanie Lawrence. Of course, I grabbed all three! Sitting in the Times Square McDonald's, popping the 1995 CD into my player, headphones on, I was instantly transported back to that first "Blood Brothers" experience.

This 1995 London Cast Recording is the one I always return to. Stephanie Lawrence's voice is pure magic, especially in the opening. It sends shivers down my spine every time. And the rest of the cast? Absolutely stellar! Paul Crosby as Mickey: Energetic and heartbreaking in equal measure. Warwick Evans as the Narrator: Powerful and commanding. Mark Hutchinson as Eddie: Charming and poignant.
Joanna Munro as Mrs. Lyons: Brilliantly portraying a complex character that no recording seems to do the role full justice for.

But it's Stephanie Lawrence who truly shines. Her performance is a masterclass and knowing she passed away in 2000 at just 50 makes this recording even more precious. It’s a beautiful, lasting tribute to her incredible talent.

If you haven't heard this recording, I urge you to seek it out. It's a treasure trove of musical theatre brilliance and Stephanie Lawrence's Mrs. Johnstone is simply unforgettable. What are your favorite cast recordings? Have you experienced the magic of "Blood Brothers"? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And if you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane and want to help support my theatre adventures, any small contribution is always appreciated!


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