‘Buddy’ returns to Civic Friday

Back in October, the Spokane Civic Theatre had a “Buddy” problem: The tickets were gone.

Talk about an excellent problem.

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” was in the midst of becoming the theater’s highest-grossing show ever.

Now, the Civic is addressing that problem by reprising “Buddy” for eight more performances, Friday through July 31.

The core of the cast and crew will reunite for this summertime special. Most crucially, Brian Gunn is back as Buddy Holly.

Gunn has great guitar skills and a fine voice. Best of all, he shows us exactly why Holly became an international star so quickly. He was a little bit gawky, a little bit goofy and a whole lot charismatic.

This long-running London and Broadway smash is a little bit rock biography and a whole lot rock concert. The first act re-creates a classic Apollo Theater concert in Harlem and the second act re-creates the infamous Clear Lake concert – Holly’s last show before his death.

In addition to Holly, you’ll see excellent impersonations of two of the other performers who gave their last concerts that day, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and July 28 through July 30, and 2 p.m. on Sunday and July 31. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and $20 for students, by calling (509) 325-2507 or through TicketsWest outlets (800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).

The show will be on the Civic’s Main Stage, 1020 N. Howard St.

Proceeds will benefit the theater’s “Raise the Roof Fund,” to raise its fly loft – the space above the stage from which scenery is lowered – to full capacity.