Since its opening on May 14, the Mexican premiere of Blood Brothers (Hermanos de Sangre) has featured Mexican actress/producer Julissa and her real-life sons, Benny and Alex Ibarra. Also featured in this "family" cast is Alex Ibarra's girlfriend, Aracely Arambula, in the role of Linda. Julissa produced and starred the Mexican productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Show and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Her extensive TV and film career includes movies such as Los Caifanes and La Mentira.
Both Julissa's sons inherited their mother's talent. Benny Ibarra began his career as a kid in the famous Mexican children's pop group "Timbriche," and played Danny in the 1985 all-children revival of Grease!, opposite singer/actress Sasha (also from "Timbiriche"), who starred as Sandy. Benny's brother, Alex, also played Danny in Grease!, but he did it in the 1995 revival which played at Mexico City's Teatro Hidalgo. Alex also starred in Mexican musical Los Tenis Rojos with Angelica Vale, and has appeared in several soap-operas.
This is the first time that Julissa has shared the stage with her sons, and the result of this family reunion provokes tears from both the cast and audience.
Directed by Jose Luis Ibanez and produced by Julissa and Televiteatro, Hermanos de Sangre runs at the Teatro de los Insurgentes on Thurs. and Fri. at 8 PM, Sat. at 6 PM & 9 PM, and Sun. at 5 PM & 8 PM. For information and tickets call Boletel at (52-5) 420 7777.
--By Claudio Carrera
Mexico Correspondent