HEAVEN CAN WAIT: Cosgrove, Belgrade and touring till 27 July

HEAVEN CAN WAIT: David Cosgrove
Touring till 27 July 2002, details www.savident.com/HeavenCanWait.htm
Runs: 2h 30m
Review: Rod Dungate, 23 February 2002 at Belgrade Coventry

Fabulous 50s rock and roll, great playing, solo and group singing that grabs you – this is an existential rock and roll show
Before the Beatles and the Stones there was Buddy Holly. Actually, of course, there were lots of others too but he does stand as a kind of watershed in the development of rock and roll. He also had the big advantage, as The Big Bopper points out in the play, of dying young and therefore being able to become a legend more easily. The Big Bopper also died along with Richie Valens and the aeroplane pilot in that fatal crash of 3 February 1959.

In David Cosgrove's witty musical all four of the accident victims are stuck in a kind of limbo awaiting their right time to move on. To encourage them on their journey is Stella: she shot her man (in fine Country and Western fashion) and is now paying her penance. Yes, I am reminded of Sartre's IN CAMERA – this is an existential rock and roll show though one in which there is redemption. And fabulous music.

The raw beat of this host of 50s rock and roll numbers goes straight to your heart and soul and feet: the songs are terrifically delivered by the four talented performers. Specially attractive is the way the show switches between miked songs (often with electric instruments) and unmiked numbers, performed a capella or with acoustic guitars.

The show starts in top gear as Valens, Bopper and Buddy Holly conclude their concert in Mason City: they are to fly to Fargo. The song is 'That'll be the day' which includes the ominous line 'That'll be the day that I die.' Buddy shouts on his exit 'We've got a plane to catch.'

As the characters work through the 'three steps to heaven' they must each take to move on, the play strikes several serious chords. Prime among them is racial equality – the irony of the racism endemic among whites while they enjoy music that stems from black people. The point is well made and welcome.

But the show is about the songs. They're all here – Peggy Sue, Donna, Chantilly Lace, La Bamba, That'll be the Day, Blue Suede Shoes, Jailhouse Rock.

A highly talented group – you should see Ian Conningham (Roger the pilot) moooooove during the five's heart-pounding finale. Specially notable is Jan Graveson: great personality, enviable singing range and she plays real mean keyboards to boot.

Cast:
Richie: Damien Edwards
Roger: Ian Conningham
Big Bopper: Michael Cuckson
Buddy: Andy Nichol
Stella: Jan Graveson

Director: Peter Rowe
Design: Patrick Connellan
Musical Director: Akintayo Akinbode
Sound: Clement Rawling

2002-02-23 22:03:52