Northampton Community College Theatre Department opens its 2023-24 season with the musical “Blood Brothers.”

And, an Easton playwright will present her original musical, “Angels Everywhere,” at the Roxy Theatre, Northampton.

“Blood Brothers” runs Oct. 26 to 29 in NCC’s Lipkin Theatre, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.

The musical, written by English composer Willy Russell, tells the story of twins Mickey (Max Wetherhold) and Eddie (Dylan Rex), who are separated at birth when their struggling mother Mrs. Johnstone (Heather Gilkeson) fears she can’t afford to raise them both.

At the urging of her childless employer (Anna Hartman), Mrs. Johnstone gives away Eddie, who is adopted and raised in a wealthy family, while Mickey remains in his original poor family.

The twins grow up in very different environments with different outcomes. Eddie goes to university and becomes a counselor, while Mickey becomes a factory worker, is laid off and turns to a life of crime.

Director Bill Mutimer, Producing Artistic Director at Northampton Community College Summer Theatre, calls the show a “contemporary nature versus nurture plot.

“The show is going to be absolutely amazing and will truly make you feel the story and music in a unique way,” Mutimer says.

Russell, who wrote “Educating Rita” and “Shirley Valentine,” developed “Blood Brothers” as a school play in Liverpool in 1981 before it transferred to London’s West End in 1983.

In 1993, it opened on Broadway, starring pop singer Petula Clarke as Mrs. Johnstone, and musical siblings David and Shaun Cassidy as Mickey and Eddie. The musical was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The cast includes Ian Gilkeson, Kevin Gaughenbaugh, Lydia Walker, Cade Kocher, Shannon Callaghan, Buster Page, Michael J Sheridan, Kevin Hernandez, Alex Kleinschmidt, Jeremy Burns, Mina Price, Michael Jasper, Cindy Cicconi Ernst, Abigail Urban, Zachary Copeman, Brett Oliveira, Amber Smith, Tanya Toulomelis, Rai Guatna and Nico Rodriguez.

Audience members are asked to bring nonperishable food donations for the NCC food pantry, which provides food for students who need assistance.

“Blood Brothers,” 7:30 p.m. Oct, 26, 27, 28; 3 p.m. Oct. 29, Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Tickets: box office, 484-484-3412; ncctix.org

Original musical at Roxy:

Easton playwright Erin Elizabeth will present the third production of her musical, “Angels Everywhere,” Oct. 20 to 22 at The Roxy Theatre. 2004 Main St., Northampton.

Elizabeth says the conception of the musical started as she was playing songs on her guitar in 2021.

“It has since become an energy, a living and breathing piece of art all on its own,” Elizabeth says. “It’s quite inspiring. I describe it as a million little miracles collecting together to make one big one.”

The show premiered in 2022 at Country Gate Playhouse, Belvidere, N.J., and received a second production as a fundraiser for Warren County Habitat for Humanity in February.

“Angels Everywhere” envisions a journey through an open door with a young woman at a crossroads who decides to make a change and walk down a different path. She must learn to love herself before she can love someone else.

When a boy and girl meet they must trust that, with timing and patience, their stars might align. A simple open mic night flairs into passion and desire and maybe a rag-tag bunch of friends can help.

The 10-member cast and a three-piece band is led by Elizabeth. The show’s 18 songs incorporate a variety of genres, including rock, country, blues, rhythmic clap beats and Om chanting to a Tibetan bell chime.

“This show is honest, authentic and heartfelt,” Elizabeth says. “There are powerful and hopeful messages to everyone who experiences the magic of this truly unique show. I believe what the world, what an audience needs now, more than ever is hope.”

Audience members are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and join the cast in an interactive circle during the performance.

Angel Wings necklaces will be sold in the lobby to benefit the Pink Ribbon Fund, which helps the families and patients facing breast cancer with groceries, utilities and other nonmedical costs.

“Angels Everywhere,” 7 p.m. Oct. 20, 21; 2 p.m. Oct. 22, The Roxy Theatre. 2004 Main St., Northampton. Tickets: box office, angelseverywherethemusical.com

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com