Big, brassy Buddy production a trip back in time

By GILBERT WONG

CIVIC THEATRE, Auckland - From the moment the curtains rise this slick, crowd-pleasing production directed by Rob Bettinson takes us into another place that we all know, even if few of us have been there. The place: dirt poor, small-town USA. The time: when rock'n'roll was howling its birth cries.

More than a few of those at opening night were not even twinkles in their parents' eyes when Buddy Holly was barnstorming across America and Britain, selling 10 million records in 12 months and securing his place in the pantheon of rock'n'roll greats.

This is a big, brassy production. A cast of more than 20 work their hearts out acting and singing, on a cleverly designed double-height set festooned with neon and 50s advertising.

Quick set changes take us on a trip through Holly's life and career.

The production has run and run at London's West End and looks set to continue its winning ways here.

As Holly, L.J. Urbani, who has played the role in London, earned a nomination for the rock'n'roll hall of fame himself on opening night. On stage almost continuously, Urbani fleshed out Holly as a huge talent imbued with small-town charm. Holly and his band, the Crickets, broke through the colour bar, playing their first New York gig in Harlem.

Ably abetted by a slinky Melvin James Carroll as Apollo MC and soulful singers Cheryl Craig and Paula Michelle, these scenes were hilarious and said something of substance about the illness of racial segregation.

Later scenes between a depressed Buddy and wife Maria Elena, played sensitively by Deb Mitchelmore, evoked a subtle range of emotions.

Holly's tragic last flight from the Surf Ballroom at Clear Lake, Iowa is part of the legend. But as the rousing finale recreation of his final concert with The Big Bopper (Elliott Weston) and Ritchie Valens, (Ricky Rojas) shows, his legend is destined to Not Fade Away.