Oh Boy!

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story – American Blues Theatre 

 

When looking at the history of rock ’n’ roll music, one of the earliest pioneers of that distinctive sound is Buddy Holly. The pulsing combination of electric guitar, bass and percussion that began in the early 50’s has its roots in the musical talent of this incredibly talented young man, from Lubbock, Texas. Tragically, Buddy was only 22 years old when he, and two other rock legends, Ritchie Valens and JP “The Big Bopper Richardson,” were killed in a plane crash in an Iowa cornfield while on their way to another concert. Memorialized in songwriter’s “American Pie,” that day would be forever known as “the day the music died.”

The highly professional American Blues Theater, a company known for their polished productions of a variety of plays and musicals, now has a bonafide hit running at Stage 773. A week after opening, the theatre is still packing in audiences, selling out to full houses of adoring theatergoers. The reason is clear: this is one of the finest shows currently playing in Chicago.

 Zachary Stevenson, whose resume boasts an impressive collection of additional roles, has played Buddy Holly in over ten productions. But Stevenson doesn’t simply play Buddy Holly; he IS Buddy Holly. Compare the rock ’n’ roll singer’s original recordings of such hits as “Peggy Sue,” “Maybe Baby” and “Johnny B. Goode” with Zachary Stevenson’s rendition and you’ll be hard pressed to hear a difference. Check out original photos of Buddy Holly with the talented Mr. Stevenson’s persona and you’ll be astounded at the similarity. It’s as if Buddy Holly’s been reincarnated in Chicago.

This show is the product of so many gifted theatre artists. Talented director Lili-Anne Brown keeps the production moving, guiding her cast through scene after scene of music and comedy. The magnificent Michael Mahler, who also plays the band’s guitarist, Tommy Allsup, brilliantly musically directs the production, and Jon Martinez creates all the familiar 50’s dance moves through his spirited choreography. But, as they say: Wait! There’s more.

In addition to Zachary Stevenson, the stage overflows with 16 multitalented actors who not only sing beautifully, but are phenomenal instrumentalists, as well. First and foremost, Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets, is made up of Stevenson, Mahler, Shaun Whitley, as athletic bass player, Joe B. Mauldin (and a wizard on the violin) and Kieran McCabe, as extraordinary drummer and percussionist, Jerry Allison. Other actors lend their musical expertise throughout the show. Bringing his experience and maturity to the musical, Derek Hasenstab portrays Holly’s music producer and manager, Norman Petty, while also playing electric guitar.  Liz Chidester, who recently wowed audiences as Lizzie Borden, plays the comic role of Norman’s wife, Vi Petty, who also proves she’s a mistress of the piano and the celesta.

As Richie Valens, another rock ’n’ roll pioneer, Cisco Lopez is the real deal, especially when he rocks the house with his infectious “La Bamba.” This young actor also looks and sounds exactly like the singer he’s playing, and he bubbles over with charisma and energy. Vasily Deris absolutely commands the stage as rockabilly singer, J.P. Richardson, also known as The Big Bopper. He particularly charms the ladies with his seductive, deep-voiced “Chantilly Lace.” Versatile American Blues ensemble member Ian Paul Custer proves he’s a multi-gifted artist, playing radio manager, DJ and Holly’s friend Hi Pockets, while also accompanying the band on several instruments. Alex Goodrich, known throughout Chicagoland for his magnificent performances in both plays and musicals, is comical playing several different personalities and emcees, including a very dry British broadcaster and the Clearlake concert Announcer. Goodrich also plays backup on guitar, as well.

The always wonderful Chuckie Benson, Angela Alise and Daniel Riley bring down with the house with “Shout,” as performers at New York’s famed Apollo Theater. Beautiful, talented Molly Hernandez, who impressed as Rosabella in Theo Ubique’s “The Most Happy Fella,” is terrific as Holly’s loving wife, Maria Elena, while also joining Ms. Chidester, musicians Ann Delaney and Lauren Vogel as zesty, joyful teenage backup singers and dancers. 

In a joyous, melodic, dynamic story of one of music’s greatest songwriter/performers, Buddy Holly authentically springs to life in Zachary Stevenson’s excellent portrayal. Directed with flair and spirit by Lili-Anne Brown, with especially fine musical direction by Michael Mahler, Alan Janes’ enjoyable biographic tune-fest is a definite hit. This production, particularly in its intimate setting, is a must-see. It features top-notch, multitalented triple-threats, performing a vast collection of familiar, toe-tapping hits from the 1950’s and is a proven audience favorite in Chicago. “Oh Boy!” is an understatement.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas         

 

 Presented April 27-May 26 by American Blues Theater at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-327-5252 or by going to www.americanbluestheater.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.