BWW Reviews: BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Casa Manana

Before Broadway celebrated hit jukebox bio-musicals like JERSEY BOYS, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL or even MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, a little show opened in 1989 called BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Written about the famous singer's short-lived career as a successful twenty-something-old music icon with signature thick-rimmed glasses, BUDDY takes the audience on a rock-and-roll journey from the radio stations of Lubbock, Texas, all the way to New York's Apollo theatre, and eventually to his (spoiler alert) fateful plane ride. Although the Broadway production was short-lived, the show celebrated twelve years in London, and has had a successful life in regional and touring productions across the country.

The production currently performing at Casa Mañana in Fort Wort (through Sunday, June 7th), is well worth the long trek from Dallas. Full of Broadway stars and local triple threats, the cast of BUDDY impresses, and not only portrays the legends of the 1950s in voice, but serves as the show's live musicians - without missing a single beat.

As the musical of a mostly-true story, it's important that the actor in the title role manages to look, act, and sound like Buddy, not to mention have the guitar skills necessary to front the band. Andy Christopher, fresh off the national tour of the same show, does all of that and more. From the moment he opened his mouth to sing, Mr. Christopher has the audience cheering, swaying, and occasionally singing and dancing along. The same can be said for "The Crickets," Buddy's backup band, who hold their own against the star of the show. Although, I have to say that this production is all about the bassist, Joe B. Mauldin (Sam Webber), who's stunts and skills are worth the price of admission alone.

The remainder of the cast each deserve individual praise for their numerous cameos and solos, especially: Adrianna Hicks, who raises the roof with an exciting edition of "Shout;" Steve Gagliastro, as his various over-the-top characters who chew and spit out the scenery; Cheryl Allison, who performed in the original Broadway national tour of BUDDY and who draws your eye with her brilliant, and often hilarious facial expressions; and Addie Morales, who provides lots of heart to the soulful show.

Though the show has a well-known tragic end (not unlike TITANIC, where you expect the ship to sink), the show's writers don't let you dwell on the sadness long before the finale brings the entire audience to their feet, singing and dancing in the aisles, and clapping along to the beat, reminding us that Buddy lived every moment to the fullest and wouldn't have regretted a thing.

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY rocks out at Casa Mañana through this weekend only, with remaining performances Saturday, June 6th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sunday June 7th at 2:00pm. Next up at Casa Mañana is Les Miserables, performing June 19th-June 28th. Tickets and more details are available at www.casamanana.org.

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