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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 |
---|---|---|---|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass-Baritone |
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
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
Scenes
Key Terms
A musical that uses previously released popular songs to tell a story, such as *Mamma Mia!* or *Jersey Boys*.
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.
A genre that has influenced musical theatre through shows capturing youth culture, rebellion, and pop music.
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