RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 2010, Cover Stories, Theatre
The late, great Buddy Holly
"Buddy - A Buddy Holly Story" has an interesting history. Paul McCartney, who owned the rights to Buddy Holly’s music, was unhappy with the movie made about Holly’s life, so he decided to support a new London production (which was conceived in an English pub) and helped pitch it to a West End producer. It was a hit, becoming the longest-running show ever in the West End, well before it ever came to American soil. New Theatre Restaurant has a great new production about the four-eyed rock-n-roller. Starting with Buddy Holly’s early career, the show highlights important events in his life and in his rise to stardom. And of course, his music.
Buddy - A Buddy Holly Story has an interesting history. Paul McCartney, who owned the rights to Buddy Holly’s music, was unhappy with the movie made about Holly’s life, so he decided to support a new London production (which was conceived in an English pub) and helped pitch it to a West End producer. It was a hit, becoming the longest-running show ever in the West End, well before it ever came to American soil.
New Theatre Restaurant has a great new production about the four-eyed rock-n-roller. Starting with Buddy Holly’s early career, the show highlights important events in his life and in his rise to stardom. And of course, his music.
This play features a fantastic set list, including “Peggy Sue”, “Oh Boy”, “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love” and “That’ll Be the Day”. The whole audience was toe tapping, and I am sure that more than a few people were wishing the New Theatre had a dance floor.
The most unique feature of the show is that Buddy and gang do all their own stunts. And - being talented musicians, the actors can play all of Holly’s songs live. The bass player, Devon Goffman, did some particularly impressive bass stunts, including playing it sideways, front ways - and on his back.
Bennett Dunn stars as Buddy Holly. Dunn has played the be-spectacled legend over 250 times in the Buddy Holly Story National Tour. I appreciated Dunn’s subtle transition from his early career to the final concert. The script didn’t give him much of chance to have a full character arc, but he certainly played some fantastic music.
Set mostly on stages and in recording studios, Scott Heineman’s set design made each place memorable and unique. He created a proscenium arch of neon and chrome, reminiscent of the 1950s, which really added to the overall nostalgia.
Roger Stoddard’s sound design presented a challenge. Since sound equipment has changed over the years, how do you record a live performance and make it sound vintage? I don’t know, but Stoddard sure does.
Mary Traylor’s costumes were lovely. I especially liked the matching band uniforms in the Apollo theatre scene, and some of the women’s dresses complete with appropriate structure underneath.
Randy B. Winder’s lights were incredible. In addition to the basic lighting of each scene, Winder had to program lights for a rock show, including lights that kept time with the music, spots and a disco ball. The pseudo-neon around the stage also changed colors with each scene. The lighting made each number feel like a rock concert.
The Buddy Holly Story is produced with all the charm of an earlier time without the blind nostalgia some shows evoke. Although the production reflects well on the rock legend, it does not put him upon a pedestal. There is no agenda, except to allow Holly’s music to be played and enjoyed.
REVIEW
New Theatre Restaurant
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
Runs June 24 through August 29
New Theatre Restaurant
9229 Foster, Overland Park, KS
For tickets call 913-649-7469 or online at www.newtheatre.com
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