Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is fast becoming the new Broadway location for spectacular theatrical performances. Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story is an exhilarating and engaging musical with outstanding performances and classic songs that had the audience on their feet. The energy and passion of the cast members were palpable, and the audience was utterly captivated from start to finish. The cast featured Kieran McCabe, who was phenomenal as Buddy Holly, and he truly captured the essence of the legendary musician. David Stobbe also gave a standout performance as the Big Bopper, and Jordan Arredondo brought incredible energy to the role of Ritchie Valens. With 25 songs packed into just 95 minutes, the play was a non-stop celebration of Holly's music and legacy. The audience was on their feet by the show's end, dancing and singing to classic hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day."
Charles Hardin Holley, better known as Buddy Holly, was a young man from Lubbock, Texas, who was passionate about music. His unique style and sound quickly caught the attention of audiences nationwide. Despite his bespectacled appearance, Buddy Holly was a force to be reckoned with on stage. His charisma and energy drew people in, and his catchy tunes had everyone dancing and singing along. The Buddy Holly Story narrates the musical career of this rock and roll pioneer and superstar whose life ended too soon. Holly infused African American music such as gospel, jump blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues, and country music with his flair to stir America's soul.
Buddy and the Crickets established the precedent for a self-contained rock & roll band that wrote its material and had enough studio freedom to do what it felt, bridging country and rock. Most bookers thought Holly and the Crickets were black, partly because they toured with black performers. On August 16, 1957, when they performed at the Apollo, which typically only had black performers, Buddy, and The Crickets, who were the first white rock act to play the venue, rocked the stage with Apollo performers played by Melanie Brezill and Marcus Terell opening up with "Shout!" This musical was like a concert featuring Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens's hits songs Chantilly Lace and La Bamba, and exceptional musicians and singers. McCabe's excellent characterization of Holly showcases Holly's remarkable life and career with high-octane, infectious, and electrifying energy that will blow you away. The talented Alex Goodrich, who I've always enjoyed in multiple plays (Hero, Elf, and the hilarious I Came From Outer Space) throughout Chicago, had a solid performance as Norman Petty and David Stobbe, who recently played in Big River at Mercury Theater and Marie Antoinette and was fantastic as the Big Bopper. Jordan Arredondo's talents shine when signing Ritchie Valens's hit, La Bamba, and Michael Kurowski's portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet still has me rocking. He's the 4th Cricket in this production, but Kirowski is a shining star that playwrights need to unleash his many talents. Surrounded by its superb cast, this musical excels with theater-rocking performances that will leave you wanting more!
I love the simple yet powerful way director Amber Mak accentuated the mic on stage, adding a radio clip acknowledging Holly's death. Mak masterfully removed the grief without erasing the impact of Holly's death. The darkened stage with one spotlight of the mic reminds us that sometimes, the simplest things can have the greatest impact. Her creativity allowed each individual to process the event in their own way, without emotional weight. Buddy Holly's success was not without its challenges. He faced criticism and opposition from those who doubted his talent and unique style. And tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash at the young age of 22.
Zachary Stevenson, who played Buddy Holly at the American Blues Theater, Shaun Whitey (who played Joe Maudlin), and Kieran McCabe have a band named The Oh Boys.
I highly recommend Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story to anyone who loves great music and theater. And if you're looking for a Broadway-quality experience in Lincolnshire, the Marriott Theatre is the place to be.
4 Stars ***
Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story
Marriott Theatre
Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story
Written by Alan Janes
Directed & Choreographed by Amber Mak
Now Playing through August 13, 2023
