(Joshua Arnold (centre as Buddy Holly) with Rae Du Plooy, Andrew Sutton &
Joshua Milne as the Crickets. Pic by Val Adamson)
A great evening of a very high standard from talented
high school learners. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Buddy: the
Buddy Holly Story, which opened at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
last night, begins with a vibrant dance number showcasing the undeniable
talents of its high school learners who were auditioned from around KZN. From
then on, it’s a great evening of a very high standard that deserves much
support.
Rhythm ‘n blues legend Buddy Holly had a short but
remarkable career before his tragic untimely death in an air crash. With his
three-piece band, The Crickets, he became an international star before the
group broke up and he formed a new band.
The show depicts the story of the star’s dogged determination
to do things “his way” despite reluctance from producers and sound engineers,
even to the point of refusing to take his glasses off when performing. In fact,
he determined to get a more striking pair! Much amusement is to be had from the
scenes in the recording studios where sometimes a number took as many as 15
takes before the indefatigable Buddy Holly was satisfied.
The cast
is well-disciplined and many show the capacity of making theatre a career.
Joshua
Arnold puts in a consistently strong performance as Buddy Holly with good
support from Rae Du Plooy, Andrew Sutton and Joshua Milne
as The Crickets. Also impressing were David van Staden as Norman Petty, Keely
Krocker as Mary Lou Sokoloff and the deep-voiced Matthew Dufourq as the Big
Bopper and Hipockets Duncan.
Leah Mari handled the demands required of the
role of Maria Elena Santiago (Buddy Holly’s wife) with passion and just the
right emotion. True Love Ways sung with Arnold was a highlight of the
show. Alex van Schalkwyk gave in a knockout performance of La Bamba and there’s no doubt that he will make his name in theatre
should that be his choice of career. Watch out for Joshua Milne who plays no
less than five roles – he can sing, dance and act with equal professionalism!
Under musical director Dawn Selby, The Reals add
back-up support from Mali Sewell, Barry Thomson, Cuan Austin and Jason van der
Merwe.
The show is produced by Catalina UnLtd
#MusicalTheatreAlive as part of their capacity building development programme
and funded by the Ethekwini Municipality, the KZN Department of Arts &
Culture, and RCL Foods.
The process has given these lucky youngsters a tremendous
opportunity to work with top professionals such as director Themi Venturas; Daisy
Spencer (choreographer/co-director), Des Govender (vocal coach), Megan Levy
(sound engineer), Michael Broderick (lighting design) Clinton and Ronel
Stevenson (AV design) and Black Coffee Productions.
Buddy: the
Buddy Holly Story is presented by arrangement with DALRO and runs at
the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until August 7 with performances at 19h00. Tickets
R120 booked through Computicket.
Schools performances on July 29 and August 2 and 4 at
14h30 (R50 per learner) - booking through email info@catalinatheatre.com – Caroline Smart
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