More Buddy Holly Music Than ‘Story’

SAN DIEGO — In “American Pie,” Don McLean sang of “the day the music died,” a not-so-thinly-veiled reference to the death of Buddy Holly in a plane crash in 1959.

But the only music that died, really, were tunes the 22-year-old rock sensation from Lubbock, Texas, never got to write. Almost 40 years later, it’s a thrill to hear Holly’s songs burning up the stage at the San Diego Repertory Theatre in “Buddy . . . The Buddy Holly Story,” running through July 13.

“That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Maybe Baby,” “Rave On” and “Not Fade Away” not only influenced a new generation of songwriters and performers, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan to the Beach Boys, but also, even now, the songs work beautifully as self-contained packages.

“Buddy . . . The Buddy Holly Story” is, admittedly, several miles stronger in the music department. With a script that turns into little more than a concert in the second act, the music--so full of innocence and energy--is reason to see the show. It’s hard to believe Holly’s Baptist elders once branded this music blasphemous, ordering him to sing country or nothing at all.

Artistic director Sam Woodhouse has put together a dynamic team under the capable musical direction of Jim Mooney. John Mueller’s bespectacled Holly--a great lookalike--commands the stage, capturing the sweetness, determination and musical virtuosity of the artist as a young man.

Playing Holly’s band, the Crickets, are Stuart Johnson as drummer Jerry Allison, Dominic Mazzone as Joe B. Mauldin and Mooney as Niki Sullivan. For an added thrill, the real Niki Sullivan came on stage to play guitar with Mueller in the final song, “Oh Boy,” on opening night, June 6.

As for Alan Janes’ script, the best that one can say is that it offers a cursory look at Holly’s tragically brief life and provides patter between the songs. Janes offers little insight into Holly’s personality or musical genius.

The story does show Holly defending his right to rock ‘n’ roll. And he’s a stand-by-your-band kind of guy, even as the Crickets thumb their noses at him and leave him behind. A receptionist at the record company wins Holly’s heart with just one look, prompting him to announce his intention to marry her moments after they’ve met. Their union alters the chemistry of the group forever.

The script also shows Holly’s mom--whom we never see--calling him repeatedly to see if he’s eating enough. Holly was skinny, but. . . .

Terrific in supporting roles are Paul James Kruse as the Big Bopper doing a wild “Chantilly Lace” and Fernando Flores Vega as Ritchie Valens with a rousing “La Bamba.” Both the Big Bopper (whose real name was J.P. Richardson) and Valens perished with Holly on the fatal flight. Country artist Waylon Jennings, playing the bass for Holly in his last performance at Clear Lake, Iowa, in 1959, gave up his seat to the ailing Richardson.

*

Aqeel Rasheed does a funny turn as the emcee who has the unenviable task of introducing Buddy Holly and the Crickets to Harlem’s all-black Apollo Theater crowd, who thought the Crickets were a soul group. Francis Thumm is persuasive as a disapproving minister and later as Holly’s manager. J. Michael Ross provides earnest support as Holly’s first champion, Lubbock deejay HiPockets Duncan.

Ron Ranson Jr.’s versatile set adapts handily from bowling alley to recording studio to concert hall. Brandin Baron’s costumes evoke the period smartly. And ending the show with “American Pie” on the empty stage was a sad but sweet final touch.

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* “Buddy . . . The Buddy Holly Story,” San Diego Repertory Theatre, Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza. Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.; June 28, July 5 and 12, 4 p.m. Ends July 13. $25-$28. (619) 544-1000. Running time: 2 hours, 41 minutes.

Brian Hammond: Young Buddy/Nashville Scout/DJ WWOL/Clear Lake Performer

Francis Thumm: Minister/Norman Petty/Clear Lake Pianist

J. Michael Ross: HiPockets Duncan

John Mueller: Buddy Holly

Stuart Johnson: Jerry Allison/Clear Lake Drummer

Dominic Mazzone: Joe B. Mauldin

Aqeel Rasheed: Roller/DJ WDAS/Apollo MC/

Clear Lake Performer

Paul James Kruse: Bowler/Decca Producer/English DJ/The Big Bopper

Angelic Nicol Willis: Bowler/Jingle Singer/LaVern Baker/Clear Lake Performer

Marissa Perez: Bowler/Maria Elena Santiago/Clear Lake Performer

Fernando Flores Vega: Roller/Nashville Scout/DJ WSRW/Ritchie Valens

Jim Mooney: Decca Musician/Niki Sullivan/Tommy Allsup/Jack Daw

Cynthia Mitchell: Vi Petty/Clear Lake Keyboardist

A San Diego Repertory Theatre production of Alan Janes’ play, featuring music by Buddy Holly. Directed by Sam Woodhouse. Musical director: Jim Mooney. Sets: Ron Ranson Jr. Costumes: Brandin Baron. Lights: Trevor Norton. Sound: Jeff Ladman. Choreography: Javier Velasco. Stage manager: Diana J. Moser.