Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Alan Janes' jukebox musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story celebrates the life, quick rise, and musical legacy of rock'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly, from his early beginnings in 1956 to his tragic death in 1959. 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. He faced significant challenges with local radio stations and producers who pressured him to conform to traditional country music.

His charisma and energy drew people in, and his catchy tunes had everyone dancing and singing along. Holly infused African American music such as gospel, jump blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues, and country music with his flair, stirring 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, they performed at the Apollo, which typically featured only black performers; Buddy and the Crickets, the first white rock act to play the venue, rocked the stage, with Apollo performers Eric A. Lewis and Marta Bady opening with "Shout!" Holly 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. 

The heart of this play lies in its portrayal of the legendary character Holly, whose story captivates audiences. The actors must deliver their roles with precision and passion, ensuring they do justice to such an iconic figure. Joey Cheluis was phenomenal as Buddy Holly. His energy on stage was amazing, and he truly captured Holly's intense, magnetic presence. The real Holly had an older look and soul than his 22 years at the time of his death. Still, Cheluis was simply a musical treat on stage. He had an engaging style, showcasing Holly's remarkable life and career with high-octane, infectious, and electrifying energy that will blow you away. Russell Mernagh also delivered standout performances as Hipockets Duncan, Decca Producer Norman Petty, Murray Deuth, and the Big Bopper, and Samantha Sayah played her multiple roles as Vi Petty, Maria Elena, Santiago Holly, Jingle Singer, and one of the Snowbirds to perfection.

Eric A. Lewis and Marta Bady delivered mesmerizing performances that nearly overshadowed the entire production, captivating the audience and drawing them deeply into the musical. The rest of the cast strengthened the production, including Elliot Coe Esquivel as Ritchie Valens and Alex Boggio and Grant Alexander Brown as members of The Crickets. The concept of having actors portray multiple characters on stage has also fascinated me. There's something captivating about the versatility they demonstrate and how they can remember their lines and the characters they play. However, this artistic choice can sometimes lessen the overall visual impact of the performance. When audience members recognize the same actor shifting between different roles, it can blur the distinction between characters and disrupt their theatrical experience. It saves the production money, but can backfire if the actors' performances aren't convincing.  

Still, this musical is like a concert featuring Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens's hit songs "Chantilly Lace" and "La Bamba." Running 2 hours, including 20 minutes, this production showcases 25 songs, providing a non-stop celebration of Holly's songs like Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," and Oh Boy with a finale of music that will have you on your feet, singing and dancing. This musical dazzles with electrifying performances that will ignite the theater and leave you craving more. The ending is more subtle and sweet than depressing, making his passing feel more like the passage of time with a celebratory concert finale featuring the entire cast performing Holly's hits alongside fellow rock icons Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.  

⭐⭐⭐ ½ Stars

Drury Lane Theatre

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

By Alan Janes

Directed by Matthew D. Carney

August 19 - October 18, 2026

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