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Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Drayton Festival Theatre

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

An Unforgettable Musical Celebration

May 24 to June 10, 2023

By arrangement with Alan Janes for Buddy Worldwide Limited

Discover why “It’s So Easy” to fall in love with Buddy Holly.

The life and career of an artistic pioneer are celebrated in this spirited musical biography which chronicles his triumphs and tragedies, from humble beginnings singing country music in small-town Texas to his rise up the record charts and into the hearts of music fans around the world.

This thrilling tribute explodes into full-throttled joy through renditions of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits – classics like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Not Fade Away,” “Rave On,” and many more. The music lives on, as this musical celebration will have you bopping in the aisles and singing your way out of the theatre.

Audience Recommendation: Recommended for ages 10 and up. There is no official rating system for live theatre. We encourage you to use your judgment based on your child's age and maturity level.

Running Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes including a 20 minute intermission

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Reviews

There aren't enough stars to show how terrific the show was. It was just amazing. The performers were just absolutely amazing. I loved it. Thanks for the experience.
Nancy F, Nithburg
The Buddy Holly Story is an excellent production. So much energy in this show. The music told the story!
Dave M, Harriston
Truly Outstanding! While we find all Drayton Entertainment productions to be top notch, the Buddy Holly Story was by far our favourite of the three we attended in the last 10 days. The cast, the singing, the sets everything about this production left us talking about it all the way home, and made us get the movie of the same name out of the library and watch it too. (The production was much better than the movie. ) Thank You Drayton. You bring such pleasure to our lives.
Iain M, Port Dover
Great Show! Awesome Cast! So much fun and the music and dancing was fantastic!
Peter K, Goderich
What a great performance by all. The actors were top notch as usual. Loved the singing and dancing. Would definitely see it again. The energy was contagious. Well done again!!!
Sue K, Kitchener
Loved it, loved it. We have been recommending it highly to our friends. All the performers & crew did a wonderful job. A spectacular presentation!
Barb J, Kitchener
It was like being at a 50s rock concert! Amazing show!
Tim Lewis, Guelph
The best show we have ever been to at Drayton Theatres!!
John & Judy Y., Tavistock
This show was amazing. The story was told in a way that captured the audience. The talent of the cast was brilliant. A must see.
Wendy P, Scarborough
Drayton you have done it again! Awesome musicians. Heartwarming story! Buddy Holly is alive and well
Dianne W, Stratford
Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! High energy show with great actors, musicians, singers and dancers.
Pat B, Tillsonburg
I have been to every production of Buddy Holly with Drayton over the years and they never disappoint me. This production was absolutely phenomenal in every way. Tyler Check is so immersed in the character and his vocal and guitar playing was fantastic. The entire cast should be commended in their talent. I could not sit still when the music exploded on stage.. I would not hesitate to see it again. I believe the first time I saw the production was back in 2007 and it just keeps getting better. Drayton Theatre Rocks.
Myrna T, PUSLINCH
Amazing show, we loved it!!
Joanne S, Stratford
FABULOUS show! Loved every minute and would gladly go again. The actors/musicians were SO Professional and talented, especially Tyler Check. This was a wonderful show from beginning to end!
ANNE M, Waterloo

Meet The Artists

Terry Barna

Hipockets Duncan

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Isaac Bell headshot

Isaac Bell

Tommy Allsup

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Al Braatz headshot

Al Braatz

Joe Mauldin

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Mariah Campos headshot

Mariah Campos

Maria Elena Holly

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Tyler Check

Tyler Check

Buddy Holly

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Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke

Apollo Singer/ Jack Daw

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J. Sean Elliott headshot

J. Sean Elliott

Norman Petty/ Murray Deutsh

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Dominique LeBlanc headshot

Dominique LeBlanc

Vi Petty

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Alex Panneton headshot

Alex Panneton

Jerry Allison

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Nick Sheculski

Nick Sheculski

Big Bopper

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Nico Solarte headshot

Nico Solarte

Ritchie Valens

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Darcy Stewart

Darcy Stewart

Mary Lou Sokoloff

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Emry Tupper headshot

Emry Tupper

Clear Lake MC

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Adam Furfaro headshot

Adam Furfaro

Director

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Gino Berti

Gino Berti

Choreographer

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John Banister

John R. Banister

Music Director

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Sean Mulcahy headshot

Sean Mulcahy

Set Designer

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Jessica Pembleton

Jessica Pembleton

Costume Designer

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Jeff Johnston Collins

Jeff JohnstonCollins

Lighting Designer

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Charles Russell

Charles Russell

Stage Manager

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Stephanie Bignell headshot

Stephanie Bignell

Assistant Stage Manager

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Lyrie Murad headshot

Lyrie Murad

Apprentice Stage Manager