The final production in the Metropolis 2018-19 Main Stage Series, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” is a magnificent blockbuster. Director Joe Keene has assembled a spirited, vibrant ensemble of 20 who leap, dance, twist and shout across an authentic period set designed by Eric Luchen.

The 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story featuring a career defining performance by Gary Busey brought the music and the artist’s story of his meteoric rise to fame into the limelight for a new generation of fans. The Alan Janes script for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, now on stage through August 31 at the beautiful Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, lacks the same charm as the movie predecessor, but the uber talented cast and nuanced direction by Joe Keefe creates a plethora of magical moments.

There are several reasons to recommend "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," the jukebox bio-musical and tribute concert running through Barbara Vitello Aug. 31 at Arlington Heights' Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Most of those reasons have to do with the score, which consists mostly of Holly's songs plus a few tunes by other rock 'n' roll innovators. Few of those reasons have to do with Alan Janes' by-the-numbers book that trades in music biz tropes offering little insight into a seminal artist.

When telling a story with a well-known ending, both to the performers and likely to the audience, it’s easy for a production to lose its sense of urgency and give into a sense of dread. These high energy performers, however, remain expectant and engaged, leaving the audience with no choice but to wait and see what might happen next.