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Rockin’ Good time at the Muny though July 19
Crickets Sound Resound in Forest Park with Buddy Holly
By Bob Lindsey
I’ve been waiting for the ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’ musical to be play in St. Louis for a long time. When I read that the new musical was on the Muny schedule this summer I was thrilled and then curious to see how they will handle the famed Texas singer played by Andy Christopher, his outstanding rock-a-billy band and their evolving music. We weren’t disappointed.
The Muny answered those questions and much more with the stunning musical numbers and the always great Muny dancers showcased on the sultry opening night Monday in Forest Park. All the great Buddy Holly and the Crickets classics plus a few other mega hits by other artists to add to production, which felt more like a concert. Actually, like two concerts, each coming at the conclusions of Act 1 and Act 2.
The jukebox musical, based on the life and career of early rock and roller Buddy Holly, opened in 1989 in London’s West End for ran over 12 years. It premiered on Broadway in 1990. This show features the songs of Buddy Holly and other early rockers, including classics like “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” ,”Everyday”, “Not Fade Away,” “Oh Boy” “Maybe Baby” and others. You forget how many songs he recorded in his brief profession career that was less than two years.
Just to add a little extra spice, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” and “Shout” are performed by the Apollo Theater (Harlem), singers, prior to the Crickets at first uncomfortable debut at the famed Harlem (New York) night club. Anyone there who wasn’t familiar with Buddy and his Crickets were soon converted to this new form of rock ‘n roll that blended other music styles and was sweeping the country in the late ‘50s.
Holly and his high-school friends, The Crickets, turned country music upside-down and created a new sound that, at first, some called “the devil’s music.” This musical shows his rise and determination as a songwriter, composer and recording artist, But all ends way too soon after the ill-fated Winter Dance Party Tour of 1959. Buddy’s final performance of rocking, familiar tunes, with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, is recreated on stage at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. The plane crash and announcement of the three singers death was tastefully done, short and sweet. The show concludes with all the singers and dancers as Buddy’s returns for another classic, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny Be Goode.” It puts the finishing touch on the two concert night.
After 25 years from the Broadway debut, The Buddy Holly Story made it to St. Louis. Thank you Muny leaders for bringing this wonderful musical/concert to our city. All the supporting actors and singers were outstanding, but Any Christopher as Buddy cemented the cast and the show. The Buddy Holly Story continues until July 19. Visit: muny.org for ticket information.
