Let's get this out of the way right at the beginning: there aren't enough superlatives in the English language to describe “The Buddy Holly Story,” currently showing at Forestburgh Playhouse. So, we'll just use Holly's own words: “Oh Boy!”

Written by Alan Jones, the show stars Michael Siktberg as the perfect Buddy Holly, and the talented Armando Gutierrez, Aaron Downs and Jack Gerhard as Jerry, Joe and Tommy, a.k.a. The Crickets.

Chronicling his start in Lubbock, TX as a country and western singer (but really a rock and roller at heart), Buddy is coached by his DJ friend, Hipockets Duncan, played by Adam Von Almen with appropriate southern eagerness. We follow the musicians through their contract with Decca Records, a country label that isn't a great fit, to a meeting with Norman Petty (the marvelous Christopher Swan), who becomes their engineer, manager and producer. In a series of vignettes, assisted by his wife Vi (the gifted Rachel Mulcahy) on piano, Petty supports the group through a string of hits including “That'll Be the Day,” “Everyday,” “It's So Easy,” and “Peggy Sue.”

Next stop, an exhilarating, funny scene at the Apollo Theatre where the performers led by Lavern (the remarkable Abeba Isaac) are expecting a black group to arrive. History is made that night and the final number in Act I is a high-energy performance of “Oh Boy” featuring Buddy Holly, the Crickets and the Apollo Performers.

In Act II we meet Buddy's future wife, Maria Elena (the delightful Vanessa Sierra) and are treated to the beautiful sounds of “True Love Ways.”

The ultimate scene in this extraordinary performance is the 1959 “Winter Dance Party,” where Buddy performs with Richie Valens, played by the suave and sexy Quentin Davis Araujo, and J.P. Richardson, a.k.a. The Big Bopper, played by Karack Osborn with such relentless energy that he brought the opening night house down.

Following the inevitable conclusion, there are several encores that revive the inspiration and the fun.

Every singer and musician in this show is a gifted performer. Bravo to Mark Galinovsky for polished musical direction. The period-appropriate costumes and a highly efficient set by Ashleigh Poteat, are enhanced by Ethan Steimel's mood-setting lighting.

Once in a great while, you'll find an actor who was born to play a certain role. Such is the case with Michael Siktberg in this part. His enthusiasm is contagious, his passion is infectious, his performance is energizing. Just magnificent!

Alternately funny, uplifting, poignant, dynamic, clever, inspiring and fun, “The Buddy Holly Story,” directed by Anthony C. Daniel, is invigorating excitement, filled with over 30 well-loved songs. Judging by the speed with which the opening night audience rose to their dancing feet for the finale, they couldn't wait to show their gratitude for a consummate performance.

“The Buddy Holly Story” is playing now through June 30. Call the box office at 845-794-1194 or visit the Forestburgh Playhouse online at www.fbplayhouse.org.