Photo Flash: BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story Comes to American Blues Theater

American Blues Theater concludes its 2017-2018 Season with BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story, written by Alan Janes, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story runs April 27 - May 26, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.

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," The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," plus many more.

"Buddy Holly is an American music icon. He's regarded as one of the most significant figures in the birth of rock music and is often cited as the innovator of the traditional rock lineup of instruments - two guitars, bass, and drums. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Elton John all name Buddy Holly as a major inspiration in their respective careers," notes Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. "Lost too soon, we're fortunate to have his vast songbook and recordings. American Blues is thrilled to share his legacy with the next generation."

The cast of BUDDY includes Angela Alise (Apollo Performer), Chuckie Benson (Apollo Performer), Liz Chidester (Vi Petty), Ian Paul Custer (Hi Pockets), Ann Delaney(Company), Vasily Deris (Big Bopper), Jennifer Dymit (Company), Alex Goodrich(Clearlake Announcer), Derek Hasenstab (Norman Petty), Molly Hernández (Maria Elena), Cisco Lopez (Ritchie Valens), Michael Mahler* (Tommy / Cricket; music director), Kieran McCabe (Jerry / Cricket), Daniel Riley (Apollo Performer), Zachary Stevenson (Buddy Holly) and Shaun Whitley (Joe / Cricket).

The creative team includes Sarah E. Ross* (scenic design), Samantha C. Jones* (costume design), Jared Gooding* (lighting design), Rick Sims* (sound design), Kevin Rolfs (properties), Malcolm Ruhl (music consultant) and John Martinez (assistant director and choreographer). The Production Stage Manager is Cara Parrish*.

*American Blues Theater Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates.

Photos by Michael Brosilow.

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