Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Although originally written for a cast of more than 20, this show now can be put on with as few as seven actor-musicians, which is the case here, although that feels on the cheap side to me. Some performers, such as Samantha Sayah, play so many characters I don’t know how they keep them all straight. But with the help of choreography from Kenny Ingram, there are fun turns from Eric A. Lewis and Marta Bady to enjoy in the Apollo sequence; Bady genuinely livens everything up as soon as she shows up on the stage."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...Still, this musical is like a concert featuring Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens's hit songs "Chantilly Lace" and "La Bamba." Running 2 hours, including 20 minutes, this production showcases 25 songs, providing a non-stop celebration of Holly's songs like Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," and Oh Boy with a finale of music that will have you on your feet, singing and dancing. This musical dazzles with electrifying performances that will ignite the theater and leave you craving more. The ending is more subtle and sweet than depressing, making his passing feel more like the passage of time with a celebratory concert finale featuring the entire cast performing Holly's hits alongside fellow rock icons Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. "
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The story, sharply directed by Matthew D. Carney, with a smaller than usual cast and on a very simple set, is a chronicle of Holly’s life, his music, and his thirst for success and happiness. I have seen several productions over the years, and many of the “Buddy” actors have made me feel as if I were watching it in real time ( back then). Joey Chelius, while he doesn’t have the same gawky look of Holly, has the charm, the vocal ability and the talent to pull it off, and it doesn’t take long to find yourself believing that he is indeed Buddy!"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...It’s absolutely guaranteed that audiences will leave the Drury Lane Theatre humming some of their old favorites from this musical, like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Maybe Baby,” “Everyday” and “Johnny B. Goode.” But if you don’t suddenly feel like slipping into your poodle skirt, or slicking your hair back and donning your blue suede shoes, and then singing and dancing up a storm, “Oh Boy!” You just might want to have someone check your pulse."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Drury Lane Theatre opens its latest musical with a warm jolt of rock ’n’ roll energy as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, by Alan James, returns to the stage, decades after its 1989 debut at the Plymouth Theatre Royal in England. What began as a modest jukebox biography has grown into a global crowd pleaser, and Drury Lane’s production celebrates everything that made Buddy Holly a seismic force - the sound, the swagger, and the fearless creativity of a young artist reshaping American music before the world even realized it was happening."
