APRIL 27 — MAY 26, 2018 | “Encore” run JUNE 29 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story
Joseph Jefferson Award nominations: Production – Musical (midsize), Ensemble – Musical or Revue, Director – Musical (midsize) for Lili-Anne Brown, Music Direction – Michael Mahler, and Performer in a Principal Role – Musical for Zachary Stevenson’s “Buddy Holly”.
Written by: Alan Janes
Directed by: Lili-Anne Brown
Music directed by: Michael Mahler*
Before the Beatles or the Rolling Stones ever played a note, rock & roll was forever changed by the bespectacled kid from Texas. Buddy tells the true story of Buddy Holly through his short – yet spectacular – career and features the classic songs “That’ll be the Day”, “Peggy Sue”, and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace”, Richie Valens’s “La Bamba”, plus many more. To learn more, read our Artistic Director’s note and Backstage Guide.
*Ensemble member of American Blues Theater
PERFORMANCE INFO
Must close Sept 15
(773) 654-3103 box office
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
- Sunday: 2:30pm
Additional shows on 8/15 @ 2:30pm; 9/12 @ 2:30pm.
No shows on 8/18 @ 7:30pm; 9/15 @ 7:30pm
No performances 8/19-8/30.
- Duration: 2 hrs; one intermission
- Location: Stage 773 at 1225 W Belmont Ave
- Ticket Price: $19-$49
- Recommended for all ages
- Town Halls: We offer free post-show discussions on Sundays
REVIEWS
“Of all the theaters, [this] gets you closest to the music. Killer central performance (Zachary Stevenson as ‘Buddy’). Spirit of inclusion, emotional investment, & rockin’ happiness. You’ll have a blast!” – Chicago Tribune
“Brilliant cast rocks Buddy Holly back to life. Astonishing performance [by] Zachary Stevenson; virtuosic playing of The Crickets (Shaun Whitley, Kieran McCabe, & Michael Mahler). [American Blues Theater’s] Buddy Holly can easily compete with any musical on or off Broadway!” – WTTW
“The one musical you must see! High octane, infectious, and electrifying energy. Stevenson is amazing!” – Let’s Play on Chicago Now
“Highly recommended. The entire ensemble, whose amazing performances, both vocally and with a range of instruments, is stellar. Prepare yourself for one fabulous night of theater!” – Chicago Theater & Arts
“Five stars (out of 5). Music direction by Michael Mahler is sheer perfection.” – Around the Town Chicago
“Superb revival.” – Third Coast Review
“Performed to perfection.” – Windy City Times
“T.I.C.” – Top Rated Shows in Chicago – Theatre in Chicago
ARTISTS
CAST (in alphabetical order): Elisa Carlson, Liz Chidester, Ian Paul Custer, Ann Delaney, Vasily Deris, Derek Hasenstab, Molly Hernandez, Keirsten Hodgens, Cisco Lopez, Michael Mahler*, Kieran McCabe, Matthew Mueller, Daniel Riley, Zachary Stevenson, Denzel Tsopnang, and Shaun Whitley.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Alan Janes (book), Lili-Anne Brown (director), Michael Mahler* (music director), Sarah E. Ross* (scenic), Jared Gooding* (lights), Samantha C. Jones* (costumes), Rick Sims* (sound), Kevin Rolfs (props), Aaron Shapiro (production manager), and Cara Parrish* (stage manager).
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. We’re proud to partner with Northwestern University’s The Family Institute, Chicago Public Schools, and Guitars Over Guns. We continue our “Pink Previews” to donate proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.
MORE INFORMATION ON BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
BE OUR BUDDY – Benefit Concert for American Blues Theater
BUY TICKETS AND DONATE HERE >> Featuring ZACHARY STEVENSON (Buddy Holly) MICHAEL MAHLER, SHAUN WHITLEY, & KIERAN MCCABE (the Crickets) and members of the incredible Buddy Holly ensemble - ELISA CARLSON, LIZ CHIDESTER, IAN PAUL CUSTER, VASILY DERIS, MOLLY...
Rave Reviews for BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Read the incredible critical response to our revival of BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY.
About BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Artists
Read the cast and creative team’s biographies for BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY.
Read moreLearn about our audience engagement events.
Town Halls for BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Read about our free events for audiences of BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY.
Artistic Director’s Note on BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Welcome to the final production of American Blues Theater’s 32nd season “The Beat Goes On”. We proudly present a revival of BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY for Chicago audiences. Charles Hardin Holley (nicknamed “Buddy” in childhood) was born in Lubbock, Texas.
Backstage Guide for BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Inside look at BUDDY-THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY – read interviews, see designs, and learn more about the production.
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