Cast Set for BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Drury Lane Theatre

The cast has been revealed for the Drury Lane Theatre production of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, by Alan Janes, featuring the music of Buddy Holly. Directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director Matthew D. Carney, this toe-tapping tribute to rock'n'roll icon Buddy Holly runs August 19 – October 18, 2026, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. 

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the life and music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly from his early start in Texas to his meteoric rise to fame and untimely death at the age of 22. Experience the original sound that changed rock and roll music as we know it.

The cast of Buddy –The Buddy Holly Story includes Joey Chelius (Buddy Holly (Guitar)), Marta Bady (Marlena Madison), Grant Alexander Brown (Joe Maudlin (Upright & Electric Bass), Jed Feder (Jerry Allison (Drums/Percussion), Eric Andrew Lewis (Engineer/Tyrone Jones), Russell Mernagh (Hipockets Duncan/Norman Petty/Murray Deutch/Big Bopper), Esteban Ortiz-Villacorta (Niki Sullivan/Ritchie Valens (Guitar)), and Samantha Sayah (Vi Petty/Maria Elena (Piano)). Understudies include Elliot Coe Esquivel, Joryhebel Ginorio, Darryl D'Angelo Jones, Jake Mickel, and Kelan M. Smith.

The creative team includes Matt Carney (Director), Chuck Mead (Music Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Rachel Boylan (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Leland Plumridge (Sound Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager).