Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
The Man, The Music, The Legend
By Alan James
Directed by Matt Salisbury
Produced by Broadway In Chicago
At The Palace Theatre, Chicago
Nostalgic look to early Rock n’ Roll a tuneful treat
I was 14 years old when Buddy Holly in died in 1959 yet I was enthralled by the simple upbeat and completely fresh and honest sounds produced by this boy wonder. In a short 18 months, Buddy Holly was to make a major step in moving his unique rock style into the hands of a generation of young people. His legend live on as audiences still go wild at his infectious, toe-tapping music. The opening night audience were literally dancing in the aisles by the show’s end.
This entertainingly pleasant show is an ode to the determination of the Lubbock, Texas native to move from Country & Western to rock music. Buddy Holly’s unique music revolutionized America in 1957 with its manic rhythms and danceable beat. With his trademark black rimed glasses, Buddy comes to life in the person of Kurt Jenkins. This guy is a glove fit to play Holly. This jukebox musical is light on story but long on toe-tapping classic rock tunes. This is a fun, easy to swallow show that features a nice assortment of retro rock. We hear authentic renditions of “Ready Teddy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” Everyday,” “Maybe Baby” and the classic “Peggy Sue.” The show is fun and lively with fine arrangements that do justice to Buddy Holly. .
Buddy is a tribute to both Buddy’s unique talent and to the innovative and imaginative talent of this young guy from Texas. With a large assortment of terrific honest old-time rock music, Buddy is a nostalgic trip back for some and an intro to early rock for contemporary teens. A good time was had by all – this show is fun! Bring your dancing shoes.
Click here to watch the video on YouTube
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2013
For more info checkout the Buddy page at theatreinchicago.com
At the Palace Theatre, www.broadwayinchicago.com, tickets $22 -$85 running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission, through June 30, 2013