Interview: Stewards of the Music: A Conversation with BUDDY HOLLY Cast
We are the stewards of the music. We are here to keep it alive and share it with as many people as possible,” says actor Jayson Elliott, who plays the Big Bopper in Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Elliott joins Diego Guevara, who portrays Ritchie Valens, Angela C. Howell, director/choreographer/music director who also plays Vi Petty, and MSMT Artistic Director, Curt Dale Clark for a conversation about the musical with Broadway World’s Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold at the second Peek Behind the Curtain series of the season. The record-breaking crowd attending the panel discussion mirrors the sold-out houses THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY has been drawing each night at the Pickard Theatre. They have come to celebrate the rock n’ roll legends and to explore what made Buddy Holly and his early colleagues such phenomena of music history.
Review: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY: The Legend and the Legacy Live in MSMT's New Production
There are certain moments of history that become emblazoned in our collective human psyches. Fans of American popular music all remember with a searing certainty the day when Charles Hardin Holley was killed in a plane crash at age twenty-two, his pioneering meteoric rock ‘n’ roll career brought to a tragic end. But if Feb 3,1959, was “the day the music died “ - as Don McLean wrote - MSMT’s Buddy Holly STORY turns that trope on its head. The new production, staged by Angela C. Howell makes clear that the legacy of Buddy Holly lives, and if MSMT’s production of the jukebox musical about Holly’s legend and his legacy rocks the Pickard Theater to the rafters with its visceral musical energy, it also speaks volumes about the warmth and heart of the Holly story.
Interview: A Conversation with BUDDY HOLLY's Andrew Harvey and Jayson Elliott
“To do this show, you’ve got to have a bag of tricks. Everybody in the cast has to be multi-instrumentalists, as well as actors and singers.” Actor Jayson Elliott is talking about the complexities of performing THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, which MSMT will present on its main stage beginning June 28. Elliot is reprising his role of J.P. Richardson, known as “The Big Bopper,” and he and MSMT newcomer, Andrew Harvey, who essays the title role, are discussing the intricacies and appeal of this juke box musical and its inspiration, rock and roll legend, Buddy Holly.
Harvey and Elliott have worked together before on this show with director Angela C. Howell at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah, and both actors have considerable experience with their roles. Elliott says he has played The Big Bopper some twenty times; Harvey has four productions under his belt, and they both note that the MSMT cast of eighteen can cumulatively claim to have performed in some one hundred productions. Harvey says, “ I have worked with quite a few of these people before, and I am enjoying being together again. They are all insanely talented musicians – which you have to be in this kind of juke box musical.”
THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY to Open at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Everyday, it's a getting; closer to Jan. 18, when BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY begins previews at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. The original jukebox musical featuring 20 of Holly's timeless hits runs through Feb. 16. The official opening night is Jan. 23.
BWW Review: BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at the Engeman
Northport's exquisite John W. Engeman Theatre does it again with a boffo incarnation of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Running through March 3rd at the Long Island venue, the musical is strongly directed by Keith Andrews and boasts an absolutely stellar cast many of whom have been in previous productions of this show. While we know Buddy (along with a few of his friends) died young and tragically in a plane crash, Alan Janes has certainly created a joyous celebration of Buddy's life.
BWW Review: Syracuse Stage and Syracuse University Department of Drama Bring Holiday Cheer with ELF THE MUSICAL
The Syracuse Stage and Syracuse University (SU) Department of Drama Holiday production is an annual tradition for many Central New Yorkers. This year, the family friendly holiday show Elf the Musical is the perfect start to the Holiday season. The production features fabulous SU drama students, local child performers, and accomplished equity actors. Director Donna Drake, last season's director of The Wizard of Oz, brings the comedy, the heart, and the holiday cheer to life with her fun and festive direction.
BWW Review: SISTER ACT 'Takes you to Heaven' at Westchester Broadway Theatre
I never saw Sister Act, the Musical when it was on Broadway, but now this is my second Westchester go round with this musical. It certainly makes sense for Westchester Broadway Theatre especially to mount it since it gives a unified group of nuns the chance to belt and let their habits down to a 60's themed score.
Photo Flash: Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents SISTER ACT
SISTER ACT, based on the Touchstone Motion Picture, tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won't be found - a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of the Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
Photo Flash: Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents SISTER ACT
SISTER ACT, based on the Touchstone Motion Picture, tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won't be found - a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of the Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents SISTER ACT
SISTER ACT, based on the Touchstone Motion Picture, tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won't be found - a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of the Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
Photo Flash: Westchester Broadway Theatre presents THE CHRISTMAS VOYAGER
This Delightful Holiday Musical is a true celebration of the Season. All the splendor of Christmas is brought to life in a magical journey through Yuletides past. The holiday songs we all know and love are wrapped up in a heartwarming celebration of spirit that will delight audiences of all ages.