Review: “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story” at MTC

NORWALK - The Mainstage of Music Theatre of Connecticut is the place to enjoy “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story,” called “the world’s most successful rock and roll musical.” The multi-talented performers that are part of the cast make this anticipated production the perfect way to escape to the beginnings of rock and roll.

“Buddy” was originally slated to open on March 20, 2020. The musical was in the middle of rehearsals when pandemic safety measures shut down the production. Now two years later, this show about the life and music of the father of rock and roll comes to life and feels like a long - awaited achievement.

More than 600 subscribers and patrons have held onto their tickets since 2020, making a major statement about their strong desire to see the show and their confidence in the theater that it would happen. Kevin Connors, the show’s director, invites the audience to engage. “Laugh, cry, sing along and join your fellow audience members in however the spirit moves you. This is a feel - good show if there ever was one.”

The book for “Buddy” was written by Alan Janes, with all of the music and lyrics the work of Buddy Holly. The settings include Lubbock, Texas; Clovis, New Mexico; New York City and finally Clear Lake, Iowa between Jan. 1956 to Feb. 1959, the “day the music died.”

I subscribe to the belief that the term “musician” should include vocal performers along with those trained to play a musical instrument. In this show, almost all of the actors are required to sing as well play at least one musical instrument, because there is no orchestra to accompany them.

The musicians are led by the extremely talented Spiff Wiegand in the role of Buddy Holly. This actor, who plays over twenty musical instruments, “only” plays guitar and harmonica in his fine portrayal of the talented musician. Wiegand has been featured on Jimmy Fallon and is an accomplished recording engineer and songwriter.

Gian Raffaele DiCostanzo uses his hips to portray Ritchie Valens in his debut at Music Theatre of Connecticut. Michael Ray Fisher plays Tyrone Jones, a performer on the Apollo stage in Harlem, and others in his debut at this venue, and is amazing on the keyboard in the second act. Jeff Gurner (“Falsettos”) covers Tommy, among others, and is an excellent guitar player.

Jannie Jones plays Marlena Madison, a singer in the Harlem scene in a glittery gown, and others, often singing backup. Jimmy Lewis makes his Music Theatre debut by giving a remarkable performance as J.P. Richardson - “The Big Bopper” and other characters. Robert Mobley plays record producer Norman Petty and others, as well as the electric bass in later scenes. Blair Alexis Brown plays Vi Petty and others, as well as the piano.

New York singer/actress/songwriter Elena Ramos Pasculllo is lovely as Maria Elena and others and plays the drums in one scene. Matt Ruff is Joe B. Maudlin, the double bass player in the Crickets, and then plays the drum kit. Ken Sandberg is Crickets drummer Jerry Allison in his MTC debut and then switches to saxophone. Adam Von Almen is a delight as radio host Hipockets Duncan, and also plays trumpet and violin.

Sound design by Will Atkin works well for this space, with Chaz Rose, Mark Holleran and Lou Ursone credited with “Buddy” voiceovers. The performers are authentically dressed in costumes designed by Diane Vanderkroef and are elevated to another level with wigs designed by Peggy de la Cruz. The lighting design by RJ Romeo is always lovely and illuminates the rather simple scenic design that is able to transform to the needed locations. While Connors directed this large group of performers very well, Chris McNiff was in charge of the choreography appropriate for the era. Musical direction was done by Angela C. Howell.

All performances of “Buddy” are in person and proof of vaccination is required to attend. The show runs through April 10. Performances on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There will be one Thursday performance on March 31 at 1:00 p.m. For tickets: https://www.musictheatreofct.com/buddy

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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