Onstage Wānaka’s production of Blood Brothers, which opened on Friday, August 8, delivered a powerhouse performance that had the Lake Wānaka Centre audience on its feet in a well-deserved standing ovation. From the first note to the emotional finale, the cast and crew brought Willy Russell’s celebrated musical to life with exceptional talent, heart, and polish.

At the centre of the story is Mrs Johnstone, played with warmth and emotional depth by Sophie Omer-McWalter. Her performance was nothing short of captivating – balancing humour, grit, and heartbreaking vulnerability as a mother forced into an impossible choice. Her rich vocals shone in every number, particularly in the poignant “Easy Terms” and the show-stopping “Tell Me It’s Not True.”

As the ill-fated twins Mickey and Eddie, Tatum Montecastillo and Aiden Butler created a believable and endearing bond that carried the story. Montecastillo’s portrayal of Mickey was layered and dynamic, evolving from cheeky, wide-eyed child to troubled young man with precision and empathy. Butler’s Eddie was charming and effortlessly likeable, his upper-class mannerisms and optimism providing the perfect contrast to Mickey’s rough-and-ready energy. The chemistry between the two was electric, making the tragedy all the more affecting.

Natasha Kay Senior brought vibrancy and emotional depth to Linda, the twin’s childhood friend, portraying her evolution to a woman caught in life’s most complex emotions. Her scenes with Mickey and Eddie were heartfelt and moving, adding a rich dynamic to the central relationships.

Meagan Young delivered a finely tuned performance as Mrs Lyons, the wealthy but emotionally fragile woman whose desperation drives much of the drama. Her gradual unraveling was portrayed with convincing subtlety, and her duet with Omer-McWalter added an extra layer of dramatic tension.

Binding the story together was Brent Pihama as the Narrator, whose commanding stage presence and perfectly timed delivery added both intensity and intrigue. His deep, resonant voice lent a foreboding edge to the musical’s recurring themes, reminding the audience that fate was never far behind.

The ensemble cast provided strong support, handling the shifts from playful street scenes to high-stakes drama with ease. The direction ensured the pacing was tight, the transitions seamless, and the storytelling clear. The set design was professional and sophisticated, allowing the performances to shine, while clever lighting choices heightened the mood – from bright, bustling childhood scenes to the darker, more tragic moments.

Musical direction and the live band added to the high standard of the production, delivering the score with precision and energy. Harmonies were well-balanced, and the sound mix allowed every lyric to be heard.

Onstage Wānaka’s Blood Brothers was not just a night of entertainment; it was an emotional journey, brilliantly performed and beautifully staged. The opening night audience responded with cheers, tears, and a standing ovation that spoke volumes about the cast and crew’s achievement. It’s community musical theatre at its absolute best.

Update note: Tickets for Blood Brothers have sold out.

PHOTO: Anna Allan