Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Musical

Writers: Alan Janes

Overview

Show Information

Book
Category
Musical
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
Ideal for
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, adult, late teen characters

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.

Lead Characters


Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story guide sections