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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Oh boy, that’ll be the show
Dan Ankatell as Buddy in his final performance in Clear Lake, Iowa, during the fateful Winter Dance Party Tour Pete Beck, left, as J.P. Richardson, the Big Bopper and Anil Patel as Ritchie Valens Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company
Garrick Theatre Lichfield
**** BUDDY has now been touring for twenty
five years, celebrating the songs of an artist whose recording career
lasted barely two years, but whose music endures some fifty six years
after his untimely and tragic death. 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. Dan Ankatell takes the eponymous, demanding, lead
role , which requires a performer who can sing, act, play competent
electric lead guitar, as well as have a passing resemblance to Buddy
Holly. Angular and enthusiastic, ARevnkatell is credible
and lively in the part, ably supported by a large chorus for the big
numbers. His confidence grew as the night unfolded, dealing with a
faulty guitar connection at one point with an ease that Buddy himself
would have smiled at. The plot fairly thinly joins the dots between the
music, but it is the songs which star. They have transcended their late
fifties origins to become standards which by a process of cultural
osmosis are as fresh now as they were when written. Rock’n’roll
aficionados will feel the tradition has been well represented, new
generations continue to sign up to the cause. Among numerous satisfying cameos, Helen Simon
delights as Maria Elena, hotter than a desert at midday, and with a
convincing Latin accent. Pete Beck marvellously milked the part of the
Big Bopper for all it was worth, and Tony Orbell injected some vital
energy and pace into the Clear Lake concert sequence as the MC. Dave Hill also made the most of scheming producer Norman Petty
.Of the dancers, Sally-Jane Adams consistently caught the eye with her
dynamism, brio, and crisp movement. The Garrick’s stage was packed to capacity by the
cast which at its peak numbered more than fifty . A Spartan, but
versatile, set which incorporates recording studios, concert halls,
radio stations, and living space, provided a fitting sense of occasion,
culminating in the theatre stage becoming a concert stage. There is no secret to
this show’s success and longevity - the songs are very strong.
Contemporary hits Shout, La Bamba
and Johnny B Goode
flesh out the Holly numbers, offering variety, shade and musical
context. Musical Director Sheila Pearson does a good job
utilising her considerable chorus, providing a new dimension to songs
whose original arrangements were quite sparse. Choreographer Maggie
Jackson has no shortage of willing dancers whom she manages both to
squeeze on stage, and squeeze the best out of. Veteran Director Lynne Hill is a safe pair of
hands for a show like this with an impressive roll call of successful
past productions to her name. Her strengths lie in her technical proficiency
and vision for the big set pieces, skills which were pleasingly on
display for this accomplished production. A full opening night house was thrilled by the
show during which the “magic programme” winner hailed, improbably , not
from Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield or even Clearlake, but Guatemala!
“Buddy” runs to Saturday 6th June . Gary Longden
02-06-15 |
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