Briefcase of the Blues

THE BLUES BROTHERS come to Bangkok on Tuesday night in a tribute show that has wowed audiences all over the world.

Part of Bangkok’s 17th International Festival of Dance and Music, “The Approved Tribute to the Blues Brothers” is an officially licensed production that keeps the characters, spirit, attitude and the music of Jake and Elwood Blues alive.

Spawned by the original London West End version, the show has been a huge success for two and a half decades under the direction of Brad Henshaw, who performs as Jake. He chatted with us by email before flying to Bangkok.

 

HOW IS LIFE AS JAKE BLUES?

It’s great! I have appeared in the London West End with the show on three separate occasions, and regularly tour Europe and the UK. In addition, I performed as Jake in Chicago when the production was resident there for three weeks, after which we extensively toured the USA. I am also a singer songwriter in my own right and have performed with artists such as Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart, P Diddy and Michael Bolton.

 

WHAT ABOUT MARK LAWSON WHO PLAYS YOUR STAGE BROTHER?

Mark, who was born in Somerset, trained at the London School of Musical Theatre at the Old Vic, graduating in 1995. Since then his West End theatre credits have included Sohovic in “Damn Yankees”, Bruce Grannit in “On the Twentieth Century”, Sammy in “Blood Brothers” and of course, the “Official Tribute to the Blues Brothers”. Mark joined our show in 1997 and like me, has toured extensively. He once tried to escape, but was told “you can check-out, but you can never leave!” So, here he is as Elwood Blues.

 

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART |IN THE PERFORMANCE?

I’m not sure there is one, at least not for me. The show is a labour of love and I guess the hardest part falls to our fantastic crew who set up the stage lights and PA for us to work on. It’s a large set to tour with and they each do a great job. Music and performing is a wonderful gift and at times doesn’t really feel like work regardless of the show’s demands.

 

HOW DID THE PRODUCTION GET “APPROVED”, AND BY WHOM?

The Approved Tribute to the Blues Brothers is the biggest and best Blues Brothers theatre show in the world. It is authorised and sanctioned by none other than one of the original Blues Brothers himself, Dan Aykroyd, and the widow of the late John Belushi, Judith Belushi. I work under license with the respective estates of Dan and Judith and that’s what makes us the greatest there is.

 

IS THE SHOW BASED MORE ON THE FILM OR THE ORIGINAL BAND'S CONCERTS?

It is a combination of both. Fans who have seen both Blues Brothers movies will see that it’s a parody of both, and in addition will recognise the characters John and Dan first introduced on the cult US TV show Saturday Night Live. Furthermore, look out for an appearance of the late, great Joe Cocker!

 

IS IT NECESSARY TO KNOW THE FILM BEFOREHAND? 

You don’t necessarily have to have seen the movies as long as you like great music played by some of the best musicians in Europe. You’ll get all the hits from “Everybody Needs Somebody” to “Jailhouse Rock”, from “Think” to “Soul Man”, and from “Respect” to “Sweet Home Chicago”, If you want to see great singers and performers, and have a wonderful theatre experience at which you can dance and enjoy yourself, then this is the show for you! Old or young, there is no age barrier for fun – just come on out, you’ll be made welcome!

 

The Approved Tribute to the Blues Brothers is being staged at Thailand Cultural Center on Tuesday.

Tickets from Bt800 to Bt2,500 are available fromThai Ticket Major. Call (02) 262 3456.