Review: JOHN MUELLER'S WINTER DANCE PARTY Shares the Excitement of Early Rock and Roll

On February 3, 1959, after performing together on the Winter Dance Party Tour, rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The three, together with pilot Roger Peterson who also perished, were attempting to make it to their next stop by plane rather than travel by bus during a raging snowstorm. The event later became known as "The Day the Music Died" after singer-songwriter Don McLean so referred to it in his 1971 song "American Pie." And although I was too young at the time to really understand what their deaths meant to the world of early rock and roll, I certainly appreciate the music they left behind that will live on as long as others continue to spin the tunes and keep imitating these rock and roll icons onstage.

The Winter Dance Party show began touring on the 40th anniversary of that fateful night in 1999, and has performed in front of over 2 million people on national TV for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, has toured extensively throughout the United States at theatres, ballrooms, corporate events, casinos and has been featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with John Mellencamp, Marshall Crenshaw and others. Highlights over the years have included receiving the keys to the city of Green Bay, WI from the Mayor, playing in the legendary Surf ballroom on the same day Buddy, Ritchie, and the Big Bopper did 40 years prior and performing on stage with Maria Elena Holly (Buddy's widow).

On November 12, 2016, I was dancing in the aisle during 3,000 Miles Off-Broadway's outstanding production, John Mueller'S WINTER DANCE PARTY, the official tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper at the historic El Portal Mainstage Theatre, in the NOHO Arts District, North Hollywood, CA. The touring production is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50's era: That'll be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more!

The special 3 show only engagement was presented in the El Portal Theatre in Noho on November 11, 12 & 13, 2016, after selling out there in 2015. It is now continuing its tour on November 18 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center and November 19 at the Missouri Theatre in St. Joseph, MO. If you love the best early rock and roll music that will have you ready to jump out of your seat and dance all night, be sure to catch the show when it plays in your town. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Winter-Dance-Party-tickets/artist/850935.

John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the London/Broadway hit musical "Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story," performs as Buddy Holly and Ray Anthony performs as Ritchie Valens and is a renowned previous star of the "Legends of Rock and Roll" show at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. Linwood Sasser fills the shoes and animal jackets of the Big Bopper. The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, standup bass and sax) includes Grammy award winning Mike Acosta on saxophone and three other musicians that know how to rock the house. It was as emotionally invigorating as any concert I have ever attended with each performer perfectly mimicking the singing style, choreography, and fashion sense of each icon. And with three incredible musicians backing them up, the place was rockin'!

Both John Mueller and Ray Anthony are accomplished musicians, often accompanying themselves playing a rockin' guitar. Many times their outrageous choreography, dancing while playing guitar, proves how they really were the starters of how to present a rock and roll show to entertain their fans as well as showcase their music. And with Mueller dressed in Buddy Hollyesque business suits and signature glasses, it was easy to forget we were not actually watching the real rocker since Mueller has been performing as Holly for 20 years.

Same thing applies for Anthony who shared with me how his years of playing Valens has made the rocker a part of his soul, and that when he steps on the stage in costume and starts singing, it is easy to forget who he really is and just be onstage feeling as if he really is Valens.

Sasser shared with me that since the trio has been performing together for so many years, it has become very natural to feel so familiar with their characters and relate to each other just as the original stars did, especially since they travel together around the country just as the stars were doing on the night the music died.

So be on the lookout for when John Mueller'S WINTER DANCE PARTY arrives in your town and get ready to enjoy one of the best throwback shows will ever experience. And remember to wear your dancing shoes!

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