www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 1, 2006 - 25 Buddy Holly's music still hits the high notes Buddy Holly is back. Well, at least he is in the form of Christian Bellsmith, who portrays the legendary rock and roll star in The Buddy Holly Story at Stage West Mississauga. The Buddy Holly Story is more of a musical revue, a celebration of the music created by the 1950s rock and roll sensation, rather than an insightful look into his brief career and life. The musical follows the life and times of Holly from the start of it all in March 1, 1955 to his final concert on Feb. 3, 1959. In the first act the audience is given a few snippets about Holly's rebellion against being typecast as a country and western singer from Lubbock, Texas to the ingenuity of his early recording sessions with independent record producer Norman Petty. We are even told that one of his best known songs, Peggy Sue, was originally called Cindy Lou, but was changed to help sweeten the relationship between his drummer and his girlfriend, Peggy Sue. The audience is also shown how the eager Holly was taken advantage of in his early record contracts. Holly's whirlwind two-week romance and marriage to music industry receptionist Maria Elena Santiago (played by Cara Hunter) is shown, but we are never given much insight into how it happened. Act II opens with Buddy Holly and the Crickets' successful concert at the Apollo Theatre, where they were the first white band to perform. Here they are supported admirably by Michael Clarke and Ken Overby to show how Holly's music successfully crossed over the segregated cultural boundaries that existed at the time. From there we are quickly taken to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa for Holly's final concert with Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. The trio was killed in a plane crash in a field outside Mason City, Iowa the following day. While many of the supporting characters shine in their limited roles, Steven Fosters, as Cricket drummer Jerry Allision, Melanie Phillipson as Vi Petty, Jim Soper as the Big Bopper, and Jon-Alex MacFarlane as Richie Valens, it is up to Bellsmith to carry the show as Buddy Holly. Fortunately, Bellsmith is more than up to the task and brings Holly to life for his audience. Bellsmith succeeds in bringing the energy and creativity that were the keys to Holly's genius as a songwriter. But it is the words of the music of Buddy Holly, that are the key to the show's success. During a brief four-year period from his high school graduation to his death in a plane crash Circle of Harmony looking for singers Circle of Harmony Chorus is calling all divas. The chorus of women dedicated to learning and performing quality four-part harmony is launching its Divas Wanted campaign this fall in search of new members. Anyone who likes to perform, enjoys making new friends and is a team player is encouraged to come to Munn's United Church at Dundas Street and Sixth line on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. The Circle of Harmony Chorus is hosting a guest evening to allow people to meet the chorus members, watch a short performance, take part in singing with the chorus and learn more about this group of women. For more information, call Ann at 905-845-3736 or visit www.circleofharmony.ca. Look for our incredible Tent Sale Flyer in today's paper! (Only in selected areas) Eurotop Queensize Sleep Set $ Save 700! Kingsize $1499.97. Save $700. 999 97 Christian Bellsmith as Buddy Holly See in store for complete details. Holly proved to be a prolific songwriter turning out major hits like Peggy Sue, That'll be the Day, Everyday, Oh Boy and Maby Baby that have been covered by major recording artists decades afterwards. During a time when many of the record companies were looking for the next Elvis, the skinny kid with large, horn-rimmed glasses hardly seemed like serious competition. But his words and music struck a chord with his audience and still resonate today. For those who have only heard the original songs on small transistor radios or their older sibling's scratchy records, the live concert performance of his songbook is enlightening. And for those old enough to remember hearing one of his songs for the first time, the show is an enjoyable trip down memory lane. His songs stand up very well after all these years and the live performance reminds us how much of an influence Holly still has on many of today's rock and roll singers. Buddy Holly runs until Sept. 17 at Stage West, 5400 Dixie Rd. in Mississauga. Ticket prices include a buffet dinner and range from $51 for a Wednesday matinee to $92.11 for a Saturday evening performance. For information or tickets, call the box office at 905-238-0042 or visit www.stagewest.com. Burlington QEW & Walker's Line 333-5533 Mississauga South 1607 Dundas St.E. 629-2900 Mississauga SuperStore 3025 Ridgeway Dr. 569-0677 Mississauga North #2, 5800 McLaughlin Rd. 502-7500 Local Community Event: VEGETARIAN FOOD FAIR Good food for a long life · Free Admission · Feed a family of four for under $15.00 · Free Recipes · Prizes · Games · Health and wellness information · Health professionals on site to answer questions and concerns Rare public performance by the Lincolns Continued from page 24 didn't get a chance to perform with many of the big name Toronto artists. "I always wanted to play with them and never got a chance to do it, so here I am," he said. "It's a great opportunity for me." The Lincolns, considered by many to be one of the best R&B bands of the day, play a lot of corporate events, but don't play many other shows because few facilities can house their 10-piece operation. "It's not too easily done in small clubs so I am grateful for an opportunity on a big stage at the CNE," said John. "It's exciting." Also included in the Rhythm and Blues Festival are Steven Ambrose, The Bentley Soul Project, The Original Checkmates, Soul Jazz Express and more. Performances kick off Friday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. and Labour Day performances are to be confirmed. All evening shows close at 10:45 p.m. Where:: Bronte Seventh-day Adventist Church 2021 Bronte Road, Oakville L6H 4J5 (parking lot and surrouding grounds) When: Sunday September 10th, 12-4 pm Health and wellness the keys to a long life! Sponsored by your local Bronte SDA Church www.brontesda.org