"Oh Boy!" Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Comes to Theatre By The Sea

MATUNUCK -- Go back to the rocking 1950s with this season's opening musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at Theatre by the Sea. Telling the story of Buddy Holly from when he played with the Crickets on the radio in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas, to his final performance as a major star in Clear Lake, Iowa, this jukebox musical brings perspective to the short-lived Holly's life.

With songs like "Maybe Baby," "Peggy Sue," "It's So Easy to Fall in Love," "That'll Be the Day," and "Raining in My Heart," this musical is sure to have audiences dancing along.

Most impressive about the show is the sheer talent of the performers. The majority of the actors not only play multiple parts, but the show has no orchestral accompaniment besides the instruments the actors play live on stage. Buddy Holly and the Crickets accompany themselves during their performances, bringing a whole new dimension to the musical.

With his goofy charm and guitar skills, Michael Siktberg is perfectly cast as Buddy Holly. He is fun, energetic, and has audiences rooting for him and the Crickets -- Seth Eliser as Jerry Allison on the drums, and Sam Sherwood as Joe B. Mauldin on the double-bass -- right from the start.

Siktberg as Buddy Holly

Shayla Simmons steals the show during her performance of "Shout," which is sure to be an audience favorite.

Simmons performing "Shout"

Audiences are sure to recognize TBTS veteran Jean-Pierre Ferragamo, who has been seen in The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Producers, Grease, and the Sound of Music. Ferragamo is terrific as J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and his rendition of "Chantilly Lace" will have audiences bopping along.

Ferragamo as the Big Bopper

Albert Jennings brings so much energy to the role of Ritchie Valens. His lively performance during "La Bamba" is phenomenal.

Jennings as Valens

While the first act is about Buddy Holly's rise to fame, the second act concludes with the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 1959, which was Holly's final performance. Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens would die together in an airplane crash the following day, known colloquially as "The Day the Music Died."

The Big Bopper (Ferragamo), Buddy Holly (Siktberg), and Valens (Jennings) perform at the Winter Ball, Clear Lake, Iowa

The season will continue with West Side Story (June 22nd to July 16th), the Wizard of Oz (July 20th to August 13th), and Sister Act (August 17th to September 4th). The Late Nite Cabaret will be performed after Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night performances at the adjacent Bistro by the Sea (except for opening weekends).

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story will be playing at Theatre by the Sea on Tuesdays through Sundays until June 19th; check online for showtimes. Tickets are $47 to $67 dollars, and can be purchased online (www.theatrebythesea.com), at the box office, or by calling 401-782-8587.




Photography by Steven Richard Photography