Review by Afshin Razi
Cincinnati Landmark Productions once again showcases its ability to pair stellar local talent with material that resonates across generations. Whether you come for the history, the performances, or simply the joy of live rock-and-roll, this show earns its applause and then some.
The Story and Themes Behind the Glasses
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story covers the last few years of Buddy Holly’s short life. It begins in January 1956 as a country kid in Lubbock, Texas, and traces his path from early resistance to his sound, look, and creative control to chart-topping success as a rock and roll star. The story ends with the tragic February 1959 plane crash that has become known as “The Day the Music Died,” bringing an abrupt end to the lives of Buddy Holly and two fellow rising musicians. His untimely death is part of the arc, but the show’s real strength is that, through a spirited celebration of Buddy Holly’s music, you leave the theatre remembering the joy of his songs rather than the sadness of how his story came to an end.
Created by English writer and producer Alan Janes, the show first premiered in London in 1989. It is widely credited as the first “jukebox musical.” While on the surface it plays as a breezy biopic, this musical is more. It is built around themes of artistic independence and the personal and financial conflicts that arise when art collides with commerce.
The production also highlights Buddy’s role as a cultural bridge. At a time when the airwaves were deeply segregated, Buddy leaned into the sounds of Black artists, blending those influences into a style that resonated across racial lines. This boundary-breaking spirit extended to his personal life; the play captures his whirlwind romance and marriage to Maria Elena Santiago, a native of Puerto Rico. In an era defined by rigid social barriers and prejudice, Buddy saw Maria Elena and his fellow musicians as individuals rather than labels, a reminder that music and love could transcend cultural boundaries.
Plenty of Hits
And of course, the music remains the star of the show. Featuring over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” “Oh Boy,” “Not Fade Away,” and “Rave On,” the production delivers a full-on nostalgia trip.
Excellent Casting
This production features an outstanding cast and ensemble that bring both the music and the story to life in a show that is engaging, energetic, and uplifting.
Having recently shared the stage in Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ Million Dollar Quartet as rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins, Keaton Eckhoff brings a deep familiarity with the sound and rhythms of the period to his turn as Buddy Holly here. Eckhoff captures both Buddy’s boyish charm and his steely resolve, pairing expressive vocals with a commanding stage presence. Evan Rogers, also a standout in that production with an electric performance as Jerry Lee Lewis, shines here as the “fourth Cricket,” Tommy Allsup, delivering an effortless performance that showcases his natural charisma and his ability to play the guitar like nobody’s business.
Jovanni Candia is also a standout as Ritchie Valens, bursting onto the stage with infectious enthusiasm. Candia’s performance is athletic, combining expressive vocals with dynamic movement and easy rapport with the rest of the cast.
Ryan J. Poole deserves special recognition for juggling at least three major roles as Hi-pockets, Norman Petty, and the Big Bopper. He also briefly appears as the mustachioed Decca Records producer, and likely in additional roles as well, but Poole disappears into each character so completely that you may not even notice the transformation happening in real time. Poole commits fully to every role, shifting seamlessly between them while maintaining a constant connection with the audience. Toward the end of the show, as Poole stepped into his third major role as the crowd-pleasing showman known as the Big Bopper, I overheard an audience member in my section lean over to her husband and say, “He is really good, isn’t he?” I concur. Mr. Poole is excellent.
Solid Ensemble
The ensemble adds significant visual energy, particularly through demanding choreography that keeps the pace lively throughout. Terris Bates, Emmarie Brewer, Mia Mires, Zoe Akayla Bullock, and Caleb J. Freed execute the high-energy dance sequences with precision and exuberance.
Lastly, a special shout-out goes to Jennie Malone, who displays sharp comedic timing as Vi Petty while also playing piano. Bringing The Crickets to life, Brian Malone as drummer Jerry Allison and Joe Memory as bassist Joe Mauldin. Both excel musically, driving the show’s rhythm with confidence and flair.
Behind the Scenes, Right on the Beat
Hunter Henrickson, serving as both director and music director, keeps the production tight, focused, and musically sharp. His familiarity with this genre and ensemble-driven storytelling pays off in a show that never loses momentum. Natalie Hershman’s choreography adds a welcome physicality to the production, emphasizing rhythm as extension of the music itself.
Brett Bowling’s scenic design is practical, and effective, allowing scenes to transition smoothly while evoking the era without overwhelming it. Jenny Herndon’s costumes help define character and period with clarity, and Denny Reed’s lighting design supports the concert-like atmosphere that pulses through much of the show.
Final Verdict
This production knows its strengths and leans into them with confidence. Anchored by a committed cast and paced with a clear sense of purpose, it delivers a soulful, satisfying escape, a welcome way to warm up on a cold Cincinnati night on the West Side.
Tickets to Covedale’s Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story runs January 22–February 15, 2026 at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale through the box office at 513-241-6550 or online at https://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/
NOTE: Due to the snow storm, Saturday evening and Sunday Matinee (January 24 and 25) are cancelled. A matinee performance has been added on February 14. Contact Denny in the the Box Office at 513-241-6550.
