You Make Me Wanna Shout!

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Today, jukebox and biographical musicals make up a large portion of the productions playing on Broadway and the West End, and the public absolutely adores them. Telling the life story of a world-famous celebrity, while liberally peppering it with a playlist of the artist’s most beloved songs, has become a theatrical staple. But back in 1989 this was a new style of musical. Written by Alan James, and supported by Sir Paul McCartney (who owns the rights to the music), brought “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” to London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. This toe-tapping, high energy musical story, which eventually transferred to Broadway, depicted the meteoric rise to fame of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. proving to be an absolute crowd-pleaser, it played for 12 years and began a new trend of theatre called the jukebox musical. That trend continues today with shows like “Jersey Boys,” “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Tina” and “MJ.”

Directed and choreographed with ardor, imagination and  untiring energy, Amber Mak, ably assisted by Elizabeth Romero, brings this engaging and highly enjoyable musical to life on the Marriott stage. Staged in-the-round, audiences get a full, 360 degree perspective of how this young pioneer of rock and roll broke away from his Country/Western roots and, in just a few short years, became an icon of pop music. Matt Deitchman’s superb musical direction, manages both singers and musicians, and breathes pulsating life into this infectious show. For many audience members, “Buddy” is a blast-from-the-past rock concert that conjures up many memories of their youth. For younger theatergoers, however, this toe-tapper will teach a great deal about the roots of rock.  

This musical is a tribute to an undeniably gifted and talented young composer, musician and performing artist from Lubbock, Texas, who departed from this world much too soon. But Buddy Holly forever left his mark on pop rock music and influenced every singer and songwriter thereafter. The production features 25 wonderful songs, including such classic hits as “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” “Oh Boy,” “Maybe Baby,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “Peggy Sue Got Married.” In addition to all the music by Buddy Holly, we also get to meet and hear two of Holly’s musical peers, including The Big Bopper (bodacious baritone, David Stobbe) singing his hit, “Chantilly Lace,” and teenaged Ritchie Valens (the infectious, high-octane singer, Jordan Arredondo) bringing down the house with his smash Latin sensation, “La Bamba.”

But this production absolutely belongs to Kieran McCabe as Buddy Holly. He carries this show with his signature horn-rimmed glasses, mellow vocals and unequalled musical talents on guitar and percussion. This charismatic, multitalented young 

actor/musician is truly the heart and soul of this production. Once he steps onto the Marriott stage he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Mr. McCabe was last seen in Marriott’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet,” as well as in Paramount Theatre’s “Rock of Ages.” But he knows this musical quite well, having played drummer Jerry Allison in American Blues Theater’s Jeff- Award-winning production of a few years ago. 

Kieran McCabe is a likable, boyishly handsome young performer who not only charms the audience, but also wins the heart of Maria Elena, who soon becomes his wife. Portrayed by lovely Molly Hernandez, another multitalented young Chicago actor, she makes a spunky and alluring partner for McCabe. Ms. Hernandez, who theatergoers may recognize from playing the title role in “Lookingglass Alice” at Lookingglass Theatre, also astounds here as a jingle and backup singer, as well as a virtuoso on the trumpet. In fact, all the musical accompaniment for this production is not only onstage, but comes from practically every member of this phenomenally gifted cast.

Making up Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets, is the multi-gifted Jed Feder, who passionately attacks the drums as Jerry Allison; Shaun Whitley, as Joe Maudlin, who plays the heck out of the bass; and talented guitarist Michael Kurowski is the 4th musical Cricket member. The always awesome musician, actor and vocalist, Cory Goodrich portrays Shirley, plus a variety of other roles, while accompanying on the celesta. Ellie Kahn is Vi Petty, lending vocal support while also ferociously tickling the ivories of the piano. 

Donning the hats of several supporting characters, including Norman Petty, Murry Duetch and Hayrider, while also strumming the guitar, is Chicago favorite, Alex Goodrich. Christopher Wren is especially homey as Jack Daw, while additionally playing a Decca Records Producer, Lead Hayrider and a radio DJ. And bringing the audience to their feet, Marcus Terell and Melanie Brezill brilliantly play, among other characters, two sassy and super stellar performers at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. They dazzle, lighting up the stage with their spectacular, show-stopping rendition of “Shout!” Which is what audiences do as they leave the theatre, singing the praises of this new production. “Buddy” is a don’t miss musical that really heats up Chicagoland’s Summer Theatre scene.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 21-August 13 by the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling the Marriott at 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

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