Overview

Synopsis

Today, Buddy Holly is renowned as a pioneer of rock and roll and an influential figure in the music world of the 1950s. However, his tragic death at the age of 22 - “the day the music died” - meant the world never got to experience the full force of his talent. The Buddy Holly Story tells the story of his three year journey towards becoming one of the top recording artists in the world. From starting out as a Country & Western singer in Lubbock, Texas and forming The Crickets with his friends Joe and Jerry, to signing his first contract, to moving to New York and falling in love, to the final catastrophic tour of the Midwest. When Buddy Holly’s plane crashed shortly after take-off, the tragic accident not only killed Holly, but also snatches away the lives of two other star musicians: – Ritchie Valens (17) and the Big Bopper (28).Holly’s life has become the stuff of legend and The Buddy Holly Story celebrates the humor, ambition, charm, and sheer talent that was Buddy Holly.

Show Information

Book
Alan Janes
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1989
Genres
Jukebox/Revue
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Lubbock, Texas, Clovis, New Mexico, New York, Clear Lake, Iowa, January 1956 to February 1959
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Rock Combo
Dancing
Musical Staging
Licensor
See CONTEXT AND/OR LINKS TAB
Ideal For
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Buddy Holly

Lead

Male

Baritone

Joe Mauldin

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Jerry Allison

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Hipockets Duncan

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Norman Petty

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Vi Petty

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Maria Elena

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

The Big Bopper

Featured

Male

Baritone, Bass-Baritone

Ritchie Valens

Featured

Male

Baritone, Tenor

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Songs

Act One

  • "Rose of Texas" - Hayriders (ensemble)
  • "Flower of My Heart" - Buddy Holly
  • "Rip It Up (UK version)" /"Ready Teddy (U.S. version)" - Buddy Holly
  • “You Won’t Work With Me” - Buddy Holly
  • "Changing All Those Changes" - Buddy Holly
  • "That'll Be The Day" - Buddy Holly
  • “Blue Days Black Nights” - Buddy Holly
  • “Ollie Vee” - Buddy Holly
  • "Everyday" - Buddy Holly
  • "Shout" (UK tour) / "Good Time (U.S. version)" - Apollo Performers (Ensemble)
  • "Party" - Ensemble
  • "Not Fade Away" = Buddy Holly
  • “Peggy Sue” - Buddy Holly
  • "Words Of Love" - Buddy Holly
  • "Oh Boy" - Buddy Holly

Act Two

  • "Think It Over" - Buddy Holly
  • "True Love Ways" - Buddy Holly
  • "Star Spangled Banner" - Mary Lou (Ensemble)
  • "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" - Jack Daw and the Snowbirds (Ensemble)
  • "Chantilly Lace" - Big Bopper
  • "Maybe Baby" - Buddy Holly
  • "Peggy Sue Got Married" - Buddy Holly
  • "Heartbeat" - Buddy Holly
  • "La Bamba"- Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, Big Bopper
  • "Raining in My Heart" - Buddy Holly
  • "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" - Buddy Holly
  • "Rave On" - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper
  • "Johnny B. Goode" - Ensemble
  • "Oh, Boy!" - Ensemble

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Jukebox Musical

    A musical that uses previously released popular songs to tell a story, such as *Mamma Mia!* or *Jersey Boys*.

    Libretto

    The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.

    Rock and Roll

    Rock and roll is a musical genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s, combining rhythm and blues with country and gospel influences. Characterized by strong beats, electric guitars, and youthful energy, it quickly became a symbol of rebellion and change. In theatre, rock and roll often represents social upheaval, generational conflict, and the rise of new cultural voices.

    Score

    The written music for a theatrical or operatic work, including vocal and instrumental parts. The score is essential for rehearsals and performances.

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher