Willy Russell’s award-winning hit musical “Blood Brothers” tells of the struggle between class and friendship. The show has been playing in London’s West End for over seventeen years. A two-year run on Broadway in 1993 garnered six Tony Award nominations.

Set in Liverpool, England in the1960s, a working-class mother with seven children facing financial ruin gives away one of her newborn twin sons to her upper-class employer, attempting to keep them from discovering the other’s true identity. As they grow older, one becomes successful while the other spirals into a life of crime and depression. Their lives become unavoidably linked and her secrecy leads them to a tragic ending.

The production will be directed by Mr. Frank Anzalone of Phila. Mr. Anzalone has directed numerous productions throughout the east coast and is best known for his work at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

The Ritz Theatre is pleased to welcome to the mainstage Actors Equity Guest Artist Dan Schiff of Phila. Mr. Schiff will star in the role of The Narrator. He has appeared in over thirty productions at the Walnut Street Theatre and just recently returned from Phoenix where he played Julian Marsh in his third production of “42nd Street.” Equity National Tours include “Do Black Patent Shoes Really Reflect Up?” and “Funny Girl” with Deborah Gibson.

Cast members of “Blood Brothers” : Mrs. Johnstone, the birth mother of the twins is played by Patricia Durante of Branchville, NJ. Mickey Johnstone, the lonely; hard-working twin is played by Sean Downing of Mt. Laurel. Eddie Lyons, the refined & educated twin is played by Andrew Lorenzo of Succacunna, NJ. Mrs. Lyons, an upper class selfish woman is played by Kimberly Valde-Curless of Haddon Heights. The reserved Mr. Lyons is played by Peyton Dixon of Wilmington DE. Sammy Johnstone, the older brother of the twins is played by Derek Selke of Hammonton. Linda, friend of Mickey and Eddie is played by Randi DeNae Gregan of Palmyra. Donna Marie Johnstone is played by Liz Filios of Phila.

Directed by Frank Anzalone of. Phila. Music Director, Collin Master of West Deptford. Costume Design by Maggie Baker-Atkins of Delran. Set Design by John Hobbie of Hammonton. Lighting Design by Troy A. Martin O’Shia of Phila. Producing Artistic Director, Bruce A. Curless of Haddon Heights.

Previews Thursday, July 12 • Opening Night Friday, July 13 Fridays: 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10 Saturdays: 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 Sunday Matinees: 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5 Wednesdays: 7/25, 8/8 Group rates available. All seats reserved. Advanced reservations : Ritz 24 hour ticket hotline (856) 858-5230. On the web at: www.ritztheatreco.org