BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Comes to Weston Theater Company

Weston Theater Company takes audiences for a musical ride chronicling Buddy Holly’s rise to fame in BUDDY: THE Buddy Holly STORY, playing June 28 - July 16 at The Playhouse stage. 

Rock out with the one and only Buddy Holly! Transport yourself back to the 1950s with this show telling the story of Holly’s rise to fame, his struggles with the music industry, and his enduring legacy as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. This high-energy must-see show features all of Holly’s hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day, and “Everyday.” It’s a heartwarming and inspiring tale that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Now in its 34th year, the ‘world’s most successful rock-and-roll musical’ continues to rock stages worldwide. The Weston production is directed by Meredith McDonough, who says, "We are so excited to transport you back to the 1950s with this amazing music - capturing the time and essence of a musical legend. This show is filled with not only Holly's greatest hits but also intimate behind-the-scenes moments - we are celebrating Buddy Holly's enduring legacy here in Weston! Join us for a rockin' ride as we honor his talent - and the power of music to inspire and unite." McDonough is a Weston alum whose past credits include AN ILIAD and ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE.

The show introduces Billy Finn as the legendary Buddy Holly to the Weston stage. Finn recently played Buddy Holly in the new musical THE WANDERER. Finn's New York credits include appearances at Irish Rep, Ars Nova, The Public, New Dramatists, Playwrights Horizons, and more. Ben Johnson joins the cast as Jerry Allison. Johnson most recently performed as Andrej in ONCE (Pittsburgh MT); Buddy in ELF (the Studio) and Mitch in DEAR SOLDER BOY (Blue Gate Musicals. Lena Richard, a New Orleans-based performer whose TV credits include WGN, Black Entertainment Television, Disney, Peacock, and The Oprah Winfrey Network, plays Marlena. Isaiah Reynolds plays Tyrone. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, some of Reynold's favorite credits include CHOIR BOY (Portland Center Stage); FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE (The Fulton Theater). Ariana Papaleo also makes her Weston debut. Previous credits include Nina in IN THE HEIGHTS (Playhouse Stage Co.), Portia in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (NYU, The Classical Studio), and A CHRISTMAS STORY (Capital Repertory Theater). Jason Cohen, who has previously acted in and/or musically directed six other productions of Buddy, plays Tommy. With his production company Emmett Productions (EmmettProductionsLLC.com) he creates, produces, and performs theatrical concerts. Maggie Hollinbeck plays Vi Petty. Some of Hollinbeck's recent roles include ONCE (1st National Tour), WOODY SEZ (Ivoryton Playhouse), and RING OF FIRE (Florida Rep). Adrian Lopez plays Richie Valens. Lopez's credits include SPAMILTON: AN AMERICAN PARODY (1st NATIONAL TOUR),  ONCE, and RING OF FIRE (Geva Theatre Company). Seasoned Weston company member David Bonanno plays HiPockets in his 50th Weston production. Memorable Weston productions include AN ILIAD, FUN HOME, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, and THE MUSIC MAN. Other credits include THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Original Broadway Cast); Chicago companies of RAGTIME and LEND ME A TENOR; I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (National Tour). Music Director Matt Cusack also plays Joe B. Credits include ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS (AMD), and BANDSTAND.

Movement and dance are choreographed by seasoned Weston alum Felicity Stiverson, whose past company credits include HAIR, RING OF FIRE, THE FANTASTICKS, WEST SIDE STORY, and more. Bringing the 50s back to life is award-winning Set Designer  Lex Liang (at Weston: AN ILIAD). Decking out Buddy and The Crickets in their swagger is Costume Designer Kathleen Geldard (at Weston: AN ILIAD, ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE). Joanna Lynne Staub (at Weston: MARRY ME A LITTLE and RING OF FIRE) brings her Broadway, regional, and national experience to her role as Sound Designer on Weston's stage. Designer and Teacher, Marika Kent joins the crew as the Light Designer. 

BUDDY: THE Buddy Holly STORY plays at The Playhouse from June 28 - July 16. Discounts are available for Vermont residents. Tickets are available online and by calling the Weston Box Office at 802-824-5288.

Following BUDDY: THE Buddy Holly STORY, feel the breath of our country’s living foundational document in WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, reminisce on Hollywood’s golden age in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, escape to the Appalachian mountains in THE PORCH ON WINDY HILL, and smile at the tale of an unlikely friendship in LET THERE BE LOVE. 

Weston Theater Company builds on and enhances the unique assets of its Vermont village campus to produce a diverse, entertaining, and challenging season of live professional theater and high-impact events; enrich the theater-going experience with education and outreach programs for all ages; and make significant contributions to the American theater through training programs, play development, and retreats. It is a non-profit organization supported in part by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and an ever-growing family of individuals and organizations who believe in the impact the performing arts make on its community. Learn more at westontheater.org

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