Cast Set for BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Drury Lane Theatre
Joey Chelius leads the Oakbrook Terrace production, being presented in August and September.
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).
Single tickets, priced $85-$150, go on sale May 15, 2026 at 10am and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online.

|
Catch as Catch Can Steppenwolf Theatre Company (6/04-7/12) |
|
EWP presents Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase Raue Center For The Arts (8/07-8/07) |
|
Hedwig and the Angry Inch Catalyst Ranch (7/09-7/26) |
|
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Raue Center For The Arts (9/25-9/25) |
|
Fleetwood Max Raue Center For The Arts (10/03-10/03) |
|
The Last Word The Last Word (5/28-8/28) |
|
Adriana Lecouvreur Opera Festival of Chicago (6/28-7/03) |
|
The Book of Mormon Cadillac Palace Theatre (10/23-11/01) |
|
Gala! JUBALEE Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago (8/06-8/06) |
|
UB40 Auditorium Theatre (10/08-10/08) |










