Few music fans are not familiar with the basic story of early rock legend Buddy Holly, the famously bespectacled rocker who rose meteorically to the top of the charts before flaming out in a tragic plane crash immortalized in the epic Don McLean song American Pie.
So why should you see Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, a touring musical currently on offer at Drayton Entertainment’s Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge?
Because chances are your knowledge of the story stems mainly from the final chapter and your experience with Holly’s music comes from scratchy old LPs or tinny-sounding YouTube videos (it is one of the great tragedies of the modern age that most music today is filtered through the considerable limitations of factory-issue computer speakers).
What Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story provides is an opportunity to experience Holly’s jolting, energetic style and roof-lifting tunes the way they were meant to be absorbed – live on stage in a building as acoustically excellent as the Dunfield’s spacious new venue.
It’s also an opportunity to learn about a music pioneer who was a genuine rock and roll rebel, thumbing his nose at powerful record companies as he insisted on playing his music his way, refusing to be pigeon-holed as the country crooner they wanted him to become.
The story takes audiences on a journey from Holly’s humble beginnings in small-town Texas to his rise to a brief perch atop the music world.
More than 20 musical numbers are featured in the show, including Holly classics like Peggy Sue, That’ll Be The Day, and Rave On. Also weaved into the fabric are moments from contemporaries J.P. Richardson a.k.a. The Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace) and Ritchie Valens (La Bamba), who died with Holly in the infamous 1959 plane crash.
The show provides a fascinating insight into both the man and the music. Audiences become privy to the creative process, which involved all-night sessions of experimentation as musicians struggled for just the right sound.
Those familiar with his stage persona may not realize Holly was a family man with responsibilities and a life outside the rock-circuit circus, but this show introduces us to his youthful wife and provides a humorous take on his relationship with a doting (but never seen) mother.
Andy Christopher, who shares the role of Holly with Kurt Jenkins in the touring production, played the lead on opening night (Aug. 9), handling the musical numbers in high-energy fashion and effectively portraying Holly’s human side as well as projecting his larger-than-life musical character onto the stage. Like the rest of the cast, Christopher actually plays the instruments, as well as singing, lending authenticity to the performance numbers.
Ryan G. Dunkin is impressive as the Big Bopper, displaying considerable musical prowess as well as acting chops. Ryan Jagru is effective as Valens, recalling the youthful singer’s unique stage presence and enthusiasm.
The show also features a first-rate ensemble cast, most of whom pick up multiple roles.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is on stage until Aug. 31. Tickets are $40 for adults or $32 for groups of 20 or more. Tickets available at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com at the theatre box office, or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free 1-855-372-9866.
