Justin Burkobien will portray Buddy Holly, with Tony Sancho as Richie Valens and Casey Campbell as The Big Bopper. Tempe Thomas will play Maria Elena, Holly's young wife and later widow.
Buddy Holly shot to stardom in 1957 as a singer-songwriter, only to be tragically killed in a plane crash (with Valens and The Big Bopper) two years later. The Drury Lane Theatre explains, "From his first recording contract and move to New York to his fatal tour of Midwest America, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story explains how, in just three short years, he changed the face of popular music forever."
The original West End production starring Paul Hipp ran for over 5,000 performances and was followed by a mounting on Broadway in 1990. Subsequent tours have covered the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Finland, Ireland, Japan, and Singapore. A London revival is currently performing at The Duchess Theatre.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story features over 20 of Holly's greatest hits, including "That'll Be The Day," "Every Day," "Peggy Sue," "Words of Love," "Oh Boy," "Well Alright," "It's So Easy," "Maybe Baby," and "Heart Beat." The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and Richie Valens' "La Bamba" are also included.
The company features Jim Barclay, Lill-Anne Brown, Dara Cameron, Dina DiCostanzo, Michael Gerhart, Dieterich Gray, Derek Hasenstab, Gregory Hirte, Jennifer Loftus, Michael Mahler, Katie Miller, David Morrison, Karen Richardson, Neda Spears, Byron Willis, and Bernie Yvon. In addition to directing, Tammy Mader will also choreograph, with musical direction and re-orchestrations by Malcolm Ruhl. The design team is comprised of Brian Sidney Bembridge (set designer), Rich Norwood (lighting designer), and Tatjana Radisic (costume designer).
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story will run through July 27. Tickets range from $24-$54 and can be purchased by phoning (630) 530-0111 or through any Ticketmaster outlet.
The Drury Lane Theatre is located at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. For more information visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
