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That'll be the show
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
Birmingham Hippodrome
*****
THIS is the 25th anniversary tour of a
show which celebrates the songs of an artist whose recording career
lasted barely two years and was only 22 when he died.
A jukebox musical, the two halves mainly comprise
his rise to fame and studio work in the first half, and an extended
concert sequence in the second.
Glen Joseph took the eponymous
role in this performance which is shared on the tour with Roger Rowley,
who plays guitar in the band.
Angular and enthusiastic, Joseph is credible and
lively, Rowley provides formidable back up on second guitar. In all
Joseph has ten supporting musicians and singers, a luxury which Buddy
Holly never had, providing a full, sumptuous and authentic sound.
Glen
Joseph as Buddy Holly who died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa,
on February 3, 1959.
The plot fairly thinly joins the dots
between the musical numbers, but does not shirk the casual misogyny and
more pernicious racism which was abroad at the time.
The Hippodrome is a magnificent theatre and
provided a fitting showcase for a talented cast. Amongst numerous
satisfying cameos, Vivienne Smith shone as Maria Elena, a Hayrider, a
Snowbird, and violinist. She also wore the best dress of the night, in
beautiful cream with pleated skirt, in a show which is particularly well
costumed.
The Hippodrome’s voluminous stage was well suited
to a set which incorporates recording studios, concert halls, radio
stations, and living space and provided a sense of occasion as the
theatre stage became a concert stage.
There is no secret to this show’s success and
longevity, the songs are very strong. A stripped down Everyday is
the highlight of the first half, Rave On the raucous star of the
second. Contemporary hits Shout, La Bamba and Johnny B Goode
flesh out the musical numbers at their ill-fated final concert on the
Winter Dance Party tour with The Big Bopper and
Ritchie Valens , played by Jason
Blackwater and Will Pearce, offering variety, shade and musical
context.
British audiences are satisfyingly frugal with
standing ovations, but all felt obliged to do so for the finale, a
deserved acknowledgement of a fine show, well produced and performed.
Buddy runs until 28-06-14 and then continues its nationwide tour.
Gary Longden
23-06-14
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