Written by Alan James
Presented by Special arrangement with Buddy Worldwide Limited
Before The Beatles. Before The Stones. There was Buddy!
Copperstate Productions is proud to announce the return of the musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Presented in 2017, Buddy shattered Fountain Hills Theater box office records and now returns to the outdoor stage as a part of our continuing socially distanced theater productions.
Buddy tells the story in words and music of the last few years of Buddy Holly’s life. We see how he and his childhood high-school friends, the Crickets, turn country music upside down and create a unique style of sound which some called ‘the devil’s music’. We see Buddy’s frustrations at Decca Records, his skill as a songwriter and composer when recording and experimenting with Norman Petty, the excitement he and America felt when “That’ll Be The Day” went to #1, and his naïve determination to be the first white act to play the Apollo. Later we meet Maria Elena, his future wife, and witness his whirlwind romance. Then we are taken on his ill-fated ‘Winter Dance Party’ Tour of 1959. Finally, we are the audience at the Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, Iowa, where Buddy’s final performance with Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) and ‘Big Bopper’ J.P. Richardson (Chantilly Lace”) is recreated, and what in theatre must be one of the most exciting musical concerts of all-time! Features such timeless hits as “Peggy Sue”, “Not Fade Away”, “True Loves Way:, “Everyday” and “Raining in my Heart”.
Cast:
Buddy: Tom Mangum
Joe B. Mauldin (Double Bass): Stephan Hettinger
Jerry Allison (Drummer): Dave Lopez
4th Cricket (Lead Guitarist): Thomas Oliver
Hi Pockets Duncan/Ensemble: Alex Gonzalez
Norman Petty: Peter J. Hill
Vi Petty/Ensemble/Hayrider: Leah Klein
The Big Bopper/Producer: Bill Bennett
Ritchie Valens/1st Engineer/Ensemble: Julian Mendoza
2nd Engineer/Apollo DJ/clearlake MC: Peter J. Hill
Apollo Performer/Ensemble/Hayrider: Cheryl Banks
Maria Elena/Ensemble: Sydney Lover
Band Leader/Reporter: Jay Melberg
Trumpet/Apollo Announcer: Lance Wilson
Trombone/Apollo Performer: Javone Patton
Buddy is produced by Copperstate Productions, directed by Peter J. Hill, musically directed by Jay Melberg and choreographed by Noel Irick.
The Fountain Hills Outdoor Theater is comfortable, convenient and safe. The theater features 15 heated ‘stations’, seating up to 6 patrons per station. Each station is reserved for a single party and no party will be seated with any other patrons. Each station is 8 feet from any other station and is provided with a large patio space heater for comfort on chilly nights. Masks will be required for all attendees and staff. Patrons may also request one of 8 stage viewable parking spots which allow them to remain in their cars or sit outside their cars and ‘tailgate’ All patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for a “contact-free” experience while you’re at the show. Seating is limited. FHT’s outdoor stage is provided by and sponsored by Kern Entertainment.
All performances are at Fountain Hills Outdoor Theater 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. (The Corner of Saguaro and Rand). Tickets are available through the Theater Box Office at (480) 837-9661 x3 or at https://www.fhtaz.org. Box Office Hours are 12:00PM-5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturdays. For additional information not contained in this press release, please call Fountain Hills Theater (480) 837-9661.
- Jan 22 – Feb. 28, 2021
Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm
Reservations:(480) 837-9661x3 or https://www.fhtaz.org
Adult Tickets $35, Children 17 and under $18. Group rates available.
Copperstate Productions and Fountain Hills Theater are committed to the safety of their patrons, staff, and performers. They will be closely following CDC safety recommendations, as well as local guidelines, due to COVID-19. Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the facility, and the wearing of face masks inside the facilities, for staff and patrons, is currently mandated by Maricopa County. Please check the website for evolving guidelines as the season progresses.
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