The intimate sense of community fostered by theatre groups like Upstage Theatre deepens with The Buddy Holly Story.
Two 19-year-olds, Stephen Krosecz and Christina Gibson exhibited rare talent and promise that did not disappoint the crowd at Lambert Hall on Heights Blvd.
Krosecz, a Cy-Woods High graduate brings a commanding presence to the role of rock-and-roll legend Buddy Holly. He defies orders by a Nashville producer to not wear glasses while performing and in fact, trades in his thinner frames for what soon became the bolder Holly signature. He brings great depth and vibrance in the role of the entertainer who was gone all too soon at age 22.
Gibson’s voice has the timber of a young Jennifer Hudson. She is a sophomore studying music at Houston Baptist University and she began her singing career at St. Pius X. Her iridescent midnight costumes for the trio performing at the Apollo theatre are also beautiful.
Brian Chambers (Ritchie Vallens and drummer Jerry Allison) and Todd Greenfield (Crickets’ bass player Joe B. Mauldlin) put in terrific performances as the Crickets. Their strong rhythm acoustic and slap bass had the audience rocking.
In a scene at Holly’s last concert at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Chambers portrays Vallens, who also died the next morning in a plane crash with Holly and the Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson.
Norris Thompson is also a standout as the lead entertainer at The Apollo, where Holly performed in 1957. Sonia Kronberg, of the Kronberg Flags and Flagpoles, nails the role of Vi, Norm Petty’s talented wife. Kronberg’s husband, Ron, is a UH School of Architecture alumni and Kronberg is a life member of UH Alumni.
The props were realistic, thanks to Oleta Porter and the Doc Porter Museum of Telephone History and Kat’s Guitars. Many of the musicians in Upstage are UH alumni, bass player Tom Mann has three degrees from UH and trombonist Joe Slusser is also a UH grad.
“Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story” written by Alan Janes and directed by Arnold Richie and Sean K. Thompson plays through July 30. For tickets, visit www.upstagetheatre.org.
No comment, just thought my fellow cast members would like to see it !
What are these kids? Born in 1992? They have no connection with his world.
I was born in 1962 and belive me growing up I was quite familar with Buddy Holly and his music. His influence and impact can be seen and heard in nearly every major artist from the last 50 years fro his singing style to his inovations in recording techniques to his playing. Great music transcends all generations. Kids today love and respect his music just as much as those from mine.
1991, actually. I even know what VHSs are and remember life before ipods and eveything. Y'know, back in the good ol' days. It's those young kids today with their Justin Beibers and their Lady Googas that you have to watch out for!
Hmmm.. I'm sure age does not matter to have a connection with his world. I love The Beatles and i'm also 19. Just becasue I was born in 1992 does not mean I cannot truly appreciate the art that they had created with their music. I appreciate it more actually, becasue it's our (the kids born in 1992) job to pass down this magnificant art they created in order to keep their legacy alive.
Just saying. Its Christina Gibson (no harm no foul 😀 ) And I believe that it doesn't matter when your born you can still be connected with the world of another performer. I am going to step out on a limb and say that both myself and Stephen, him probably more than me, did an enormous amount of research on the era and the characters in the show. And you'll never know how much of a connection we have until you come and see the show 😉 lol
Well I'm stepping out on a limb here but I would say that both Stephen and I, him probably more than me, have both done an extensive amount of research on the characters in the show and the men and women themselves. I believe that we do have a connection to that world. We may not have lived then, but speaking personally I know several people who lived during that era and were fans of Buddy and gave me advice and I'm sure similar things can be said for several members of the cast. If you don't believe it come see the show and if you still feel the same after seeing it then I'm sorry you feel that way. 😀
Well, I was present at both performances Friday and Saturday nights and it was the best procuction I've ever seen to come out of Upstage Theatre. In fact, all of the people who invited are coming back for a second time and bringing friends. That really says alot about all of your performances, you should be very proud of yourselves. These may be young people, but they have got it down!
By the way…it's Stephan, not Stephen…I'm just sayin'.
it is a really good show. What was the theater supposed to do cast a 60 year old as a Young Buddy Holly? I saw the show on opening night and thought it was well done. So barry did you actually see the show or are you just being a net troll…
Saw the show Friday and Saturday night. Stephan, Christina, and the entire cast are doing wonderfully! The directors have also done a fabulous job and I can’t wait for tomorrow night so I can see it again!
Saw the show Friday and Saturday night. Stephan, Christina, and the entire cast are doing wonderfully! The directors have also done a fabulous job and I can’t wait for tomorrow night so I can see it again!
Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga , Prince….They all stole from Bobby Cullens. I am the originator! The Master Baiter of ALL things Musical! Never Duplicated! Wooo!!! See you at da Show. Da Bobby Cullens & Buddy Holly Story 🙂
Let's give a great deal of credit to the musicians that makes the show possible. Jerry Maynard is a young 17 year old that rocks the piano. Bravo to you Jerry and the entire horn section. Well done. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Let's give a great deal of credit to the musicians that makes the show possible. Jerry Maynard is a young 17 year old that rocks the piano. Bravo to you Jerry and the entire horn section. Well done. Looking forward to seeing you again.