I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the opening night of BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story at Montecasino. It was a treat for me to learn about this remarkable musician, through live performance on the big stage with exceptional South African talent. Here are my thoughts on why you shouldn’t miss the show.
The Story
As soon as the lights dimmed and the first chords of “That’ll Be the Day” rang out, I knew I was in for a treat. BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story (BUDDY) is a high-energy, nostalgic romp through the life and music of one of rock and roll’s most enduring legends. BUDDY celebrates Holly’s life and music, showcasing his talent as a songwriter, performer, and guitarist. It’s a lively and entertaining tribute to one of rock and roll’s most beloved pioneers. I knew two or three of Buddy Holly’s songs, but I didn’t know anything about his rise to fame and tragically short life, nor the impact he had on rock and roll music. He really was a remarkable man.
BUDDY is a jukebox musical that tells the story of the legendary musician Buddy Holly from his early beginnings in Lubbock, Texas to his rise to fame as one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.
Buddy played the music I love, the music I grew up on – country-western, rock ‘n’ roll, and rhythm and blues – three separate strands of music that he intertwined and infused into one genre, one brand. Buddy wrote songs that had beautiful melodies and imaginative verses. And he sang great. He sang in more than a few voices. He was the archetype – everything I wasn’t and wanted to be.
Bob Dylan
The musical follows Holly’s journey as he forms his band, The Crickets, and they hit the road to tour the country, facing various obstacles along the way. It also explores his relationships with his family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as his romance with his wife, Maria Elena.
The show features some of Holly’s biggest hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Oh Boy!” as well as other popular songs from the era. The musical culminates in a reenactment of Holly’s final concert, which took place just before his tragic death in a plane crash at the age of 22.
The Set
The set design for BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story reflects the atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, using simple but effective set pieces to create different locations throughout the show.
The show begins with a projection of a vintage television set, which introduces the audience to the era and sets the stage for the story to come. The stage itself is quite minimal but surprisingly dynamic, with a few key set pieces such as a recording studio, a concert stage, and a few pieces of furniture to indicate various locations.
To enhance the performance, the lighting and projections play an important role in creating the mood and atmosphere. The use of coloured lights, strobes, and projections helps to evoke the excitement and energy of the era and the performances.
Later in the show, the band is situated on a raised platform at the back of the stage, with instruments and microphones on display to add to the authenticity of the performance. The use of live music adds to the overall ambiance of the show, creating an immersive experience that transports the audience back in time to the era of Buddy Holly and rock and roll.
Overall, while the set design for BUDDY may be relatively simple, it effectively captures the spirit of the era and helps to showcase the music and performances at the heart of the show.
The Costumes
The costumes in BUDDY are an important part of the show’s overall design, as they help to create a visual representation of the era and the characters that populate the story.
The costumes reflect the fashion of the 1950s and early 1960s, with a focus on the clothing styles of musicians and performers of the time. The male performers often wear sharp suits and ties, while female performers wear dresses with petticoats, stockings, and high heels.
One of the standout costumes in the show is, of course, the iconic black-rimmed glasses that Buddy Holly was known for. These glasses are a key part of the character’s signature look and are often featured prominently in the show.
Overall, the costumes in BUDDY help to create a sense of time and place, and enhance the performances by providing an authentic visual representation of the era and the characters that inhabit it.
The Talent
One of the reasons I love going to watch theatre shows is because it’s a reminder that South Africans are really world-class. From everything that goes into the making of it, to each performance, I am often blown away by just how great our local talent is (including the cast and crew). BUDDY was no exception.
The show is a true crowd-pleaser, with a talented ensemble cast who bring Buddy’s music to life with gusto and flair. From the high-energy singing and dance scenes to the more tender moments, the actors were faultless.
I particularly enjoyed the performance of the lead actor playing Buddy, Jethro Tait, whose energy and charisma captured the essence of the man himself. For those of you who don’t know, Jethro Tait is a South African singer, songwriter, and musician who has gained prominence through his music with several EPs and radio hits. His success has made him one of the most exciting young musicians in South Africa today, in my opinion. Tait is not an actor but I’m so glad that he decided to take himself out of his comfort zone to be on stage. His performance was authentic and convincing, showing that he has more to offer than singing and song writing. While BUDDY was his first major theatre performance, I hope it won’t be his last.
The Music
The music of BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story is one of its most defining and memorable aspects. The show features a number of songs written and performed by Buddy Holly himself, as well as other popular hits from the era.
Some of the most well-known songs featured in the show include “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Oh Boy!,” “Rave On,” and “Everyday.” These classic rock and roll tunes are performed live by the cast, accompanied by a live band, and are a highlight of the show.
In addition to the music, the show also incorporates dance numbers that reflect the styles of the era, including the jitterbug and other popular dances of the time.
The music is an important part of the show’s storytelling, helping to create the mood and atmosphere of the era and providing a backdrop for the characters’ stories. The songs are woven into the narrative, with many of them reflecting the emotions and experiences of the characters on stage.
The music of BUDDY is a celebration of the music of Buddy Holly and the era of rock and roll, providing a lively and entertaining experience for audiences while also paying tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Final Thoughts
BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story is a fun, feel-good tribute to one of rock and roll’s greatest pioneers. It’s a show that will appeal to music lovers of all ages, and is not to be missed. If you’re looking for a night of great music, high-energy performances, and a whole lot of fun, this is the show for you!
It’s on at Montecasino from 22 April to 28 May 2023. Tickets are available at WebTickets, so book your tickets today!
Have you seen #BuddyTheMusicalSA? What were your thoughts? Let me know on Twitter – @fantomdan.
