The story of “The Blues Brothers,” originally a 1980 musical comedy film directed by John Landis starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, is coming to UW-Whitewater.
Young Auditorium Marketing Specialist Leslie LaMuro spoke with Cultural Affairs Committee Director of the Young Auditorium Ken Kohberger, and they decided “The All New Tribute to the Blues Brothers” musical would provide an exciting performance to all who are interested. 
Kohberger communicated with Columbia Artists Management, Inc. (CAMI), a booking agency in New York, about having the production cast and crew for “The All New Tribute to The Blues Brothers” to come perform at UW-Whitewater.
“[The performance will guarantee] a good time for everyone,” Tour Manager Melissa Miller said.
Brad Henshaw, who will be playing Jake Blues, said they started their tour on Jan. 29 and will continue on through April. He said they will be traveling around the United States, performing at 60 venues total.
“It’s been great [performing for the Blues Brothers],” Henshaw said. “We really enjoy touring the USA. We’re very much looking forward to coming to UW-Whitewater, and we’re looking forward to meeting new people.”
Henshaw said he has been performing with the Blues Brothers since 1995, but they’ve been together since 1991.
John Belushi, who played Jake Blues in the 1980 performance, was actually a student at UW-Whitewater from 1967-1968, LaMuro said.
Belushi participated in two or three plays during his year as a student including one titled “Night Must Fall.”
The idea for the Blues Brothers came from Saturday Night Live performances by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the original performance of the Blues Brothers.
Aykroyd, who played the role of Elwood Blues, developed the line story and character sketches of blood brothers Jake and Elwood Blues. He worked in collaboration with the film’s story consultant, Ron Gwynne, and ultimately ended up writing the script, although he hadn’t written a screenplay before.
“The Blues Brother originated in London, England and ‘The All New Tribute to The Blues Brothers’ is initially a stage representation of the movie,” LaMuro said. “I think everybody who comes will enjoy the musical because it will initially make you smile and tap your toes.”
