It's So Easy to Fall in Love with Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at Theatre North West.
Fraser Elsdon is the star of the show and embodies the dedicated, driven young artist as he embraces Buddy's signature thick-rimmed geek glasses and showcases original rock 'n' roll.
The play provides some great insight into the business end of the music world in the 1950s as Buddy fights to do things his way and the tragic end of a life dedicated to changing the music world.
Elsdon played a very strong part, exuding charm and determination and performing the music with an energy and intensity that was contagious to the audience.
Local Nigel McInnis, played Jerry "JI" Allison, one of The Crickets, part of Holly's band, and did it splendidly. Well known for his expressive facial aerobics, he doesn't have to say a thing for his strong character to shine through.
Curtis Abriel, another local entertainer, played Joe B. Mauldin, the other half of the Crickets, who had some substance abuse issues that embittered him as he traveled further into the musical universe. Abriel is a strong musician, who was able to add his supportive role to the mix that makes the musical memorable.
Oscar Moreno took on several roles with the most memorable, especially for the ladies in the audience, was the booty-shaking Richie Vallens. Morena's vocals were stellar and he personified the flamboyant Vallens perfectly.
Jory Rossiter transformed his svelte self and took over the stage as The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson. His stage presence was electrifying and he really got the party started.
And now for the girls.
Evangelia Kambites, who plays a variety of characters convincingly, not only sings like a song bird, but plays the saxophone, too. She's a quintuple threat with her singing, acting, dancing, sax playing and general all round hotness.
And also not shy in the looks and talent department is Christina Cuglietta, who plays Buddy's love interest Maria Elena Santiago. She's sultry, she's sexy and nailed the role of a strong woman tossed into a man's world.
The supporting cast including Tom Keenan, Joe Slabe Lana Sugarman, and locals Adam Harasimiuk and Zarrah Holvick ,who all shined on stage, bringing together a great assemble cast that made this production so successful.
Judy Russell choreographed the Samantha MacDonald-directed show and the entertaining musical numbers had Russell's fingerprints all over it with jazzy dance moves and snazzy attitudes all showcased on another look-twice Hans Saefkow designed set.
The show runs to Dec. 11 at Theatre North West. Tickets at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. or call 250-614-0039.
