Considered to be the world’s most successful rock ‘n roll musical, “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” is celebrating its 30th anniversary as it heads back to the University of Central Arkansas’s Reynolds Performance Hall Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m.
“Buddy” tells the story of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In 18 short months, the Texas-born rock ‘n’ roller revolutionized the face of contemporary music and influenced artists and groups from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Audiences will be treated to 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, including timeless classics “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy” and “Rave On.”
Seen by over 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, “Buddy” speaks to a worldwide audience ranging in age from 8 to 80.
“Audiences dance in the aisles every night to our enactment of the story of a young man whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period but whose music will be remembered forever,” said writer/producer Alan Janes.
“The music from this show alone is enough reason to purchase a ticket; it will have you rocking in your seat. Many hit songs will be performed from this era when rockabilly, rhythm and blues and country music heavily influenced rock ‘n roll,” said Amanda Horton, director of Reynolds Performance Hall. “This was one the most successful jukebox musicals to hit Broadway, and we can’t wait to share the story with central Arkansas.”
Tickets are $30-$50 for adults and $10 for children and students. Tickets may be purchased online at uca.edu/Reynolds, at the Reynolds Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll-free at (866) 810-0012.
