October 3–November 1, 2009

By Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson
Originally directed by Rob Bettinson
By arrangement with Alan Janes for Theatre Partners
Directed by Ron Peluso, History Theatre
Musical Direction by Gary Rue, McNally Smith College of Music

A first-ever artistic collaboration between History Theatre and the staff & students of McNally Smith College of Music

Buddy Holly (a.k.a. Charles Hardin Holley) was not only extremely talented, but relentless in his pursuit of his music. In a time when rock 'n’ roll was demonized by many, including his own family, Buddy stood his ground and hung on to his principles. In doing so, he rose to the top of the charts! Tap your toes along with this musical retelling of the life and times of Buddy Holly, from his meteoric rise to stardom to the unforgettable Clear Lake, Iowa concert. Musical hits include "Peggy Sue," "Chantilly Lace," "La Bamba," "That’ll Be the Day," and more.

Tickets

• Adults: $28-32
• Seniors: $25-30
• Students: $15
• Children: $10
• Buy single tickets online
• Group rates available

Added Performances!

Due to popular demand History Theatre has added two performances to the last weekend of Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story

• Wednesday, October 28 @ 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 1 @ 7:30 p.m.

Afterthoughts

October 4: Cast & Director

October 11: Quinton Skinner, co-author of the book "The Day the Music Died"

October 18: Cast & Director

October 25: Timothy D. Kehr

November 1: Cast & Director

Nicholas Freeman as Buddy Holly. Photo by Scott Pakudaitis.

Reviews and Media Coverage

• Buddy and the Crickets (Nicholas Freeman, Zach Spicer, Josh Bourdon, and Brandon Petron) in studio with MPR's Dale Connelly on Radio Heartland.
• Advance story by Graydon Royce in the Star Tribune (9-27-09) the collaboration between History Theatre and McNally Smith College of Music
• Nicholas Freeman (Buddy) on Fox9 Morning Buzz (9-29-09) to talk about Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
• Review by Quinton Skinner in the Star Tribune (10-06-09)
• Review by Dominic Papatola in the Pioneer Press (10-06-09)
• Review by Brad Richason on Examiner.com (10-09-09)

For the Press

• Press release (PDF)
• High-resolution photos and additional press information

For Educators

• Study guide (PDF)

News & Notes

A couple of people have noted that the guitar Buddy is holding in History Theatre's promo photos is not the guitar he was known for playing. Good eyes! Here is what Gary Rue, the musical director of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story had to say:

"In our show, Buddy is playing a tobacco sunburst Fender Stratocaster with maple neck. They are correct in noticing Buddy is playing a Fender Telecaster in the promo photo. Buddy certainly played a Telecaster in his musical life (as all of us guitarists did at one point) but he settled on the Stratocaster.

"You may also note that Ritchie Valens played exclusively the same guitar as Buddy, but in our show he plays a 1957 Harmony Strato-Tone. Ritchie played these Harmony guitars in his early years; his original he had painted green. In fact, a little internet surfing shows Ritchie playing many different guitars."