The story of the iconic Buddy Holly is told at The Regent this week which is a wonderful celebration of the life and times of his meteoric rise to fame and his legacy.
Capturing the timeframe of the last two years of his life, it starts with his frustrations with the recording label Decca and his first meeting with Norman Petty. It documents key moments in his rise to fame, winning over audiences at The Apollo in Harlem and the second act concentrating largely on his final concert at the Surf Ballroom, Iowa on the Winter Dance Party tour, hours before the tragic airplane crash claimed Holly’s life aged just 22 along with the pilot, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens. It also briefly shows his first liaison with Maria Elena, soon to be Buddy’s wife, whom he famously proposed to after five hours of their first date.
The individual musical performances of the cast were brilliant. Vibrant costumes, colourful sets and hit after hit, making certain of ear worms for days. The soundtrack includes all of Holly’s best (fans wont be left lamenting any of the favourites being omitted), as well as other fabulous tunes from the era, such as Reet Petite, Shout, Chantilly Lace, La Bamba, plus more.
The cast all playing musical instruments and singing throughout, the showpiece was stunning and a special shout-out to some impressive trickery with the double bass. A biopic it isn’t, there are key moments left out of the storyline, however, it’s purpose is to document the two shows (Apollo and Surf Ballroom).
A.J. Weeks was as close to the real Buddy as you are likely to get. His mannerisms, delivery and voice were superb. Christopher Chandler and Miguel Angel also delivered the same quality performances as ‘The Big Bopper’ and Ritchie Valens respectively and really brought the second half to life. Christopher Weeks, Joe Butcher and Josh Haberfield played ‘The Crickets’ with a real energy.
The whole production is ‘both feet in’ and having set the scene, from the middle of the first half onwards it cranks up the rock-n-roll gradually until, sensing the party atmosphere in the audience, the final scenes in the Suff Ballroom the cast duly oblige and play a stream of high energy numbers with everyone on their feet dancing.
It’s a non-stop of classic hits, huge energy and a party night out! Expect to be dancing!
The show is in town until Saturday 1st with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are on sale now from here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/buddy-the-buddy-holly-story/regent-theatre/
Photos courtesy of Hamish Gill – f8creates
