Oh Boy!

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Being on tour is never easy for the performers. After traveling through the brutal Midwestern winter weather by tour bus, a vehicle plagued with faulty heating, 1950’s singing sensation Buddy Holly decided to charter a small, four-seater airplane for the stars of the tour. Following their sold-out performance of the Winter Dance Tour, in Clear Lake, Iowa, their next destination was to be Moorhead, Minnesota. But they never made it there. The small plane crashed in a cornfield, tragically killing the pilot, along with pop singers J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly. The date was February 3, 1959 is remembered today as “The day the music died.”

For younger audiences, and especially those theatergoers not quite so young, audiences who enjoy a good jukebox musical, BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY may be the perfect show. The story traces the roots of an important and beloved American guitarist, singer and songwriter, as well as a true pioneer of rock ’n’ roll. Staged and guided with sparkle, spirit and plenty of soul by Matthew D. Carney, Drury Lane’s multitalented, newly appointed, artistic director, this musical is an excellent indication of good things to come.

The production is a slick, stylish, yet sincerely heartfelt depiction of the American Dream, complete with a wholesome love interest. Maria Elena Santiago, Buddy Holly’s girlfriend and eventual wife, is sweetly played by Samantha Sayah. The show dramatizes the meteoric musical rise to fame of a young Texas high school kid, from his early beginnings in country/western music, to become one of the early kings of pop and rock. The show is overflowing with more than 25 familiar country, rock-a-billy and rock ‘n’ roll classics. In addition to enjoying all the wonderful music, theatergoers will learn a little about the beginnings of rock music and the recording industry, not to mention the true story of young Buddy Holly during the last two years of his short life.

This two-act musical was written by Alan James. The show opened in London’s West End back in 1989, where it ran for over twelve years. Then the musical went on tour in the UK, eventually transferring to Broadway. The New York production also resulted in a number of National US Tours and regional productions, as well. In addition to being lovingly directed by Matthew D. Carney, this second production of the show at Drury Lane has been cleverly choreographed by Kenneth E. Ingram, with topnotch musical direction by Chuck Mead. Rachel Boylan’s authentic period costumes bring back memories of the Fabulous ’50s and Lauren M. Nichol’s fluid and colorful scenic design, nicely lighted by Lee Fiskness, seamlessly takes theatergoers from Lubbock, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee, to The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York and finally to the Surf Ballroom in Clearlake, Iowa for Buddy Holly’s final concert.

This musical journey will especially evoke fond memories for the baby boomers in the audience. Hearing these oldies-but-goodies sung and played as they were written will bring back a kinder, gentler era. But the musical will also introduce audiences to a few of Holly’s contemporaries. Most notable are the Crickets, Holly’s talented backup singer/instrumentalists. They include bass player Grant Alexander Brown, percussionist Alek Boggio and the group’s pianist is, again, played by lovely Samantha Sayah. The Apollo Theatre Emcee and singers are energetically portrayed by the terrifically talented Eric A. Lewis and Marta Bady, who bring down the house with a rousing rendition of “Shout!” Russell Mernagh delights in a number of smaller roles, but really shines with his spot on impersonation of The Big Bopper singing “Chantilly Lace.” And Elliot Coe Esquivel makes a vibrating virtuoso, filled with Latino energy, as Ritchie Valens, leading the audience in a toe-tapping, “La Bamba.”

But this show deservedly belongs to gifted Joey Chelius, as Buddy Holly. He doesn’t look exactly like Holly, except for the young musician’s signature glasses, but he sure sounds like the iconic singer. Joey’s portrayal is charismatic, charming and confident. The character begins the musical as a sweet, amiable and innocent newcomer; but as we watch Buddy Holly gradually develop into a musical star, we soon see a shrewd businessman, with the savvy to handle music managers, disc jockeys and recording studio technicians. And did I mention that Mr. Chelius can really sing! Not only that, but the young actor impressively accompanies himself on the guitar, as well. In fact all of the music in this joyful show is provided live on stage by the cast, but you’d swear you were seeing and hearing vintage films of these famous rock ‘n’ roll headliners.

It’s absolutely guaranteed that audiences will leave the Drury Lane Theatre humming some of their old favorites from this musical, like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Maybe Baby,” “Everyday” and “Johnny B. Goode.” But if you don’t suddenly feel like slipping into your poodle skirt, or slicking your hair back and donning your blue suede shoes, and then singing and dancing up a storm, “Oh Boy!” You just might want to have someone check your pulse.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Present August 19-October 18 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos by Kyle Flubacker