Director Debbie Keyt | Musical Director Rhonda Vaughan Choreographer Camilla Klesman
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story tells the true story of Buddy's meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when 'That'll Be The Day' hit the airways until his tragic death less than two years on 'the day the music died'. The show features over 20 of Buddy Holly's greatest hits including 'That'll Be The Day', 'Peggy Sue', 'Everyday', 'La Bamba' and so many more.
The incredible legacy of the young man with glasses, whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period during the golden days of rock & roll, continues to live on in Buddy.
"When you walk out of a show and your companion says ‘What a great night!’ you know this is theatre at its best. Such was the case with Beaumaris Theatre Company’s latest offering. While it has occasional flaws, with some characters having more singing ability than others, this is irrelevant to the magic of the production.
Director Debbie Keyt, musical director Rhonda Vaughan and choreographer Camilla Threadgold have done a superb job. And then there is the cast – Liam McWhinney was born to play Buddy, and as the show progresses simply morphs into the iconic rock n’ roll star. A truly winning performance. As Ritchie Valens, Joshua Aiello is equally good – I had to remind myself that this was an actor playing Ritchie, not the original. Rebecca Simpson as Buddy’s love Maria Elena also caught my eye – this is a lady with wonderful stage presence and her performance in this supporting role was mesmerizing. Dan Bellis as The Big Bopper brings great swagger and humour to the role, while in several smaller roles, Ellie Martin gives her all – another performer with natural stage charisma.
Musical backing is tight and the whole company reflects the best in community theatre, in a wonderful multi-age production. I wish I could tell you how to buy tickets but I can’t – the season is sold out!!"
-Front Row Diva
Debbie Keyt
Director
Liam McWhinney
Buddy Holly
Rebecca Simpson
Maria Elena Santiago
Stephen White
Norman Petty
Michael Licenblat
Rhonda Vaughan
Musical Director
Lucas Petropoulos
Joe B.Mauldin
Kim Valance
Vi Petty
Nick Armstrong
Tracey Mitchell
Camilla Klesman
Choreographer
Ben Erbacher
Jerry Allison
Dan Bellis
The Big Bopper
Stuart Anderson
Ellie Martin
Lynda French
Production Manager
Mark Stewart
Hipockets Duncan
Josh Aiello
Ritchie Valens
Robyn Licenblat
Band
Keith Morgan - Drums, band convenor
Simon Donlen - Guitar
Bill Clark - Bass
Sue Paterson - Keyboard, rehearsal pianist
Christina Cirnigliaro and Rina D’Cruz - Tenor Saxophone
Sue Cook - Trumpet
Sean Smyth and Don Jordan - Trombone
Anne Beruldsen - Violin
Rhonda Vaughan - Keyboard
creative Team
Pietro Giordano - Set Designer
Damien Calvert - Lighting Designer
Adam Solomon - Sound Designer
Jenni Osburn - Costume Designer
Crew
Fiona Williams - Stage Manager
Steve Morris - Assistant Stage Manager
Eliza Anderson - Lighting Operator
Adam Solomon - Sound Operator
Sam Johnson - Spotlight Operator
“What an awesome performance by all. Great singing and song you could really move too. A brilliant finale with the audience unable to sit back, you just had to get up and dance. Well done everyone!!!!”
