'Buddy Holly' raves second time around By Lark Reynolds Published: Friday, July 20, 2007 - 2:08 am They say you can't get too much of a good thing. Well, whoever "they" are, when it comes to Centre Stage's production of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," they're right. The musical chronicles the tragically short musical career of rock 'n' roll pioneer Buddy Holly, from his early days of butting heads with record producers who wanted him to stay with country, to the electric atmosphere at what would be his final performance in Clear Lake, Iowa. Holly's five-hour courtship of Maria Elena Santiago (Maria Katsadouros) was a particularly memorable scene, filled with an extra dose of the humor and charm that appeared throughout. "Buddy" treats audience members to hit after hit from the legend, and the music is truly -- and not surprisingly -- the highlight of the show. You know you've got something good on your hands when the actors who portrayed Buddy Holly and his band two years ago not only are still playing together, but have recorded a Buddy Holly tribute CD. Will Ragland as Holly puts his whole heart into the role, and although it took him a bit to get warmed up, he delivered on all counts. Vocally, he was about as close to the real thing as you can get. The energy and emotion he brought to his character spilled over to audience members, who were only too willing to clap and sing along. The rest of the band was superb as well. John Atkins, backing Ragland on guitar, is not only brilliant in his musical dexterity, but adds to the energy of the production with his obvious enjoyment of the entire affair. Co-directors Betsy Bisson, main-stage director at Flat Rock Playhouse, and Gene Krcelic do a lot with a little, pulling off a nearly seamless production meant for a much larger stage. Paul Feraldi's set design, while simple, leaves nothing lacking, and draws audience members back into the 1950s the moment they enter the theater. Although we all know the story of the day the music died, "Buddy's" dramatic finish really brings it home. From start to finish, this high-energy production provides foot-tapping fun. "Buddy" runs through Aug. 18, with performances every night Wednesdays through Sundays, and will surely charm Greenville audiences as much as it did the first time.