Bucks County Playhouse Brings Back BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Following the record-breaking box-office success of "Million Dollar Quartet," Bucks County Playhouse will present for the third time its signature production of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" beginning Friday, February 8 through Sunday, March 3. The Playhouse's Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Joshua Fiedler announced final casting for the production, that will once again be directed by Hunter Foster (BCP's "Million Dollar Quartet" and "42nd Street"), and choreographed by Lorin Latarro (Broadway's "Waitress"), both of whom are also Bucks County Playhouse Artistic Associates.

In celebration of Buddy Holly's local connection, Bucks County Playhouse is hosting Bandstand Day on Saturday, February 9 at the 2 pm performance. Arlene Sullivan, a South Philadelphia native, was one of the most celebrated regulars on American Bandstand from 1956 to 1960. Ray Smith first attended Bandstand in the summer of 1956 and danced on the show until 1960. With Sharon Sultan Cutler, they wrote "Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963". At the matinee performance, Arlene and Ray will be joined by some fellow local Bandstand members to recognize Buddy Holly's appearance on Bandstand in Philadelphia.

Andy Christopher, who has performed the role in multiple productions across the United States including the Buddy 25th Anniversary tour, will play Buddy Holly. This production will see the return of Brandi Chavonne Massey (Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Apollo Performer; Gilbert D. Sanchez ("Showgirls the Musical" Off-Broadway) as Ritchie Valens; Maximilian Sangerman ("The Lightning Thief," First National Tour) as Tommy Allsupp; Zach Cossman (Bucks County Playhouse's "Rocky: The Rocky Horror Show") as Jerry Allison; Sky Seals (Johnny Cash from Bucks County Playhouse's "Million Dollar Quartet") and Natalie Grace Ortega as Maria Elena. Matt Cusack (Broadway's "Bandstand") as Joe B. Mauldin; Adam McDowell (Horton in the National Tour of "Suessical") as The Big Bopper; Brittany Brook as Vi Petty, Ryan Halsaver as Hipockets Duncan will all be making their Bucks County Playhouse debuts.

"Audiences really embraced 'Buddy' in both 2016 and 2017, so we have decided to bring the production back one more time," says producer Stephen Kocis. "February 3, 2019 commemorates the 60th anniversary of 'The Day the Music Died' -- the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, the 'Big Bopper' and Ritchie Valens. So we believe there is no better time to honor the music and legacy of these great rock n' roll legends with Hunter Foster's energetic production of 'Buddy'."

From his meteoric rise to fame in 1957 through his tragic death less than two years later, Buddy Holly influenced modern music like no other performer of his generation. "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" features more than 20 of Holly's greatest hits, including "That'll Be The Day," "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy," and many more. The show features a book by Alan Janes and music and lyrics by Buddy Holly. It opened in London's West End, where it ran for over 10 years, and premiered on Broadway in 1990.

William Shuler serves as musical director, Adam Koch is scenic designer with lighting design by Gina Scherr, costume design by Nicole V. Moody, and sound design by Matthew Given. Casting by Tara Rubin Casting - Kaitlin Shaw, CSA.

The production will play the following schedule: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. The opening performance is Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets start at $65. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

The new Deck Bar and Restaurant at Bucks County Playhouse will be open before and after the show for dining and drinks. For more details, visit playhousedeck.com or call (267) 270-2989.

For full details, and to purchase tickets, please visit buckscountyplayhouse.org, call 215-862-2121, or visit the box office at 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA.

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