“…Buddy Holly Story” Rocks the Drury Lane Stage

By Cate Rees-Hessel

Drury Lane’s stellar production of “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” is full of energy and fabulous music. Both vocals and instrumentals are spot-on, the acting excellent; costumes are period appropriate and fun. I especially liked the lighting – in the scene depicting Buddy’s last concert, for example, Holly’s wedding ring is noticeably illuminated as he plays his guitar.

Samantha Sayah, in the roles of Buddy’s wife Maria Elena and Vi Petty, is wonderful – her characters are strong and sincere. Elliot Coe Esquivel as Richie Valens, as well as Niki Sullivan, gives a flawless performance, believable and upbeat. Chicago favorite Marta Bady is energetic, beautiful, and sexy with impeccable comic timing. Russell Mernagh plays radio personality Hipockets Duncan (in a very realistic characterization), Norman Petty, Murray Deutch, the Big Bopper himself, and is the show’s narrator, bringing enthusiasm to all his characterizations – he is extremely entertaining.

I simply can’t say enough good things about Joey Chelius in the title role. His performance surely has the icon smiling down from rock and roll heaven. The show has a concert feel honoring the artists and pilot whose lives were sadly cut short in February 1959. The final scene is powerful in its simplicity, and the encore has the audience on its feet with an amazing musical finish. Once again Drury Lane brings Broadway quality to the suburbs with this not to be missed production. But Buddy will play his last gig at Drury October 18th, so tune in to www.drurylanetheatre.com for tickets or more information.

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