BUZZon - Loving Buddy

Joseé Boudreau and Jeff Giles in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at the Charlottetown Festival For Joseé Boudreau, the difference between this year’s Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at The Charlottetown Festival and last year’s production is immense. What was her most dreaded scene last year has even become her favourite scene this year.

“Everyone is a year older. Everyone is bringing something new. It’s a growth in your personal life and in how you portray the role,” she says. Boudreau plays Buddy’s wife, Maria Elena, as well as one of the jingle singers and a performer at the Clear Lake concert at the end of the show.

“I’ve spent a lot of time doing research on Maria Elena, on her perspective on the story,” Boudreau says. “I start my research with the character, then I look at the script and ask, what about this character did they really want the audience to know and connect to? Maria Elena has only a few scenes. We have to make all these moments count and make them believable.”

Jeff Giles, who plays Buddy, calls it a more honest performance this year.

“Everybody wanted a piece of Buddy and to be part of his world. When she came along, his world changed and revolved around her,” Boudreau says. “I wanted to show how much of a need she has for him. Jeff and I try to bring out the genuine love story and how they can’t really imagine life without each other.”

Then there is the sheer fun of being one of the jingle singers, the three ladies who sing the live commercials on the radio station. They get an enthusiastic round of applause after each jingle.

“People in the audience recognize that radio flavour and the harmonies. It’s very short and sweet, and it brings them back to that moment in time. It’s certainly a lot of fun to do.”

Boudreau says before Buddy she was first and foremost a singer. She fell into theatre by singing. She spent the time between last year’s Buddy and this year in acting training in the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program. “Last year I realized it was the first time I was being hired for my acting as well as my singing. This production helps me feel confident going on stage as an actor. I’ve found a new passion for acting.”

“The character makes more sense for me this year. We did a lot of work on the apartment scene, the last time she sees Buddy. It brought a lot of clarity. She’s scared. It’s not about nagging, it’s about something doesn’t feel right to her. I didn’t like it last year. This year it is my favourite scene.”

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story plays until October 8 at The Charlottetown Festival.

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