Ritchie Valens

Review: RAVE ON: The Undying Appeal of Buddy Holly
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Oct 6, 2025

In recent years Maine State Music Theatre has presented THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY on two occasions – both to sold out houses.  The undying appeal of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer’s rags to riches story and his tragic early death captivate audiences, but it is without question the series of blockbuster musical hits that form the score which makes THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY irresistible. And so MSMT, for its final concert tribute concert at the Donald M. Gay auditorium in Auburn, has assembled a tribute to Holly and his two foremost colleagues:  the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. RAVE ON will remind audiences of the thrill of the mega mix that closes THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY – only, in this case, the delight continues over two hours with music that defined early rock ‘n’ roll.

Review: Elvis Is Back! MSMT Presents Concert Series in Auburn
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Sep 21, 2025

Elvis is back! Having mesmerized Maine State Music theatre audiences for two years, Victor Trevino, Jr. now brings his tribute concert to a new venue in Auburn, Maine.  For the first time ever, MSMT has produced a fall season that includes a series of concerts at the brand new, state-of-the-art Donald M. Gay PAC on the Edward Little High School campus. And what better way to delight new audiences in this spectacular new space than to showcase the music of the King of Rock and Roll.

Review: BUDDY-THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - Aug 18, 2025

This is a highly enjoyable show that will be loved by all ages. Congratulations.  Dutch Apple has another hit on its hands! Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story is one of the earliest and most popular jukebox musicals of all time.  It tells the meteoric, brief, and tragic story of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest icons.

Interview: Hunter Henrickson of BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
by Andrea Stephenson - Aug 13, 2025

Put on your dancing shoes and join the cast and crew at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story through September 20th, 2025.

Review: Musical Theatre West Presents BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
by Michael Quintos - Jul 21, 2025

Musically entertaining though rather light on narrative heft, Musical Theatre West's otherwise rousing, concert-like new production BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY—now on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through July 27, 2025—is a straightforward, nostalgic jukebox musical that chronicles the meteoric rise and tragic early death of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly. If you're looking for a feel-good musical with fierce live performances, this show should definitely fit the bill. You might just have to look up a Buddy Holly documentary on your own to fill in the missing story gaps.

Claybourne Elder, BUDDY, and More Set for Upcoming Cape Playhouse Shows
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

The Cape Playhouse will launch its summer season on June 4 with the transformative power of music through the enduring legacy of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly in BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story. Learn more about the upcoming productions!

OLIVER!, GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL And More Set for TheatreZone's 21st Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2025

TheatreZone's 21st season will feature five musical productions, beginning with its annual holiday show in December, followed by four musicals that showcase a blend of comedy and drama.

Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2025

Discover the Cape Playhouse's 2025 'Season of Hope,' featuring productions like BUDDY, RENT, ANASTASIA, and more. The season will run June 4 to September 20 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA.

Alli Mauzey and Nicole Parker & More to Perform at Bucks County Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

Yacht Rock favorites, a “wickedly” good concert and a return to one of the most famous Winter Dance parties ever are the highlights of Bucks County Playhouse’s Visiting Artists Series events this February. Learn how to attend.

Review: BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
by Elizabeth James - Jan 10, 2025

What did our critic think of BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre?

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY is Now Playing at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2025

Get ready to rock and roll as Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, now playing through February 15, 2025. Learn more here!

Corn Exchange Newbury Reveals 2025 Music Show Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2024

Corn Exchange Newbury has announced its upcoming series of music shows for 2025, with tributes to music legends and original music from local bands. Learn more about the lineup here!

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre Brings 1950's Rock 'n' Roll To Life With BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 22, 2024

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre closes its 'Divine Season 9' with the world's most successful rock and roll show, BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY.

CHICAGO, WAITRESS & More Set for Broadway Palm 32nd Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2024

Broadway Palm has revealed its 32nd Season which includes eight main stage productions and more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Complete Cast & Design Team Set for BATHHOUSE.PPTX at The Flea
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 1, 2024

The Flea has revealed the complete cast and design team for the world premiere production of BATHHOUSE.PPTX, written by Jesús I. Valles.

Join Raue Center For John Mueller's WINTER DANCE PARTY
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2024

Raue Center For The Arts will welcome the official and number one tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper in 2020!

History Theatre Unveils Concert Series Line-up Celebrating the Holidays, Women's Voices, Love, and Buddy Holly's Music
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2023

Experience a holiday classic hubabaloo, a celebration of powerful women voices, and an anniversary concert featuring artists from previous History Theatre productions. Tickets on sale now!

Alexandra Silber, Jack DiFalco & More to Star in OUR CLASS at BAM
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 13, 2023

OUR CLASS, the award-winning play by Polish writer Tadeusz Słobodzianek, will be performed for the first time in New York at Brooklyn Academy of Music. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Interview: Stewards of the Music: A Conversation with BUDDY HOLLY Cast
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 7, 2023

We are the stewards of the music. We are here to keep it alive and share it with as many people as possible,” says actor Jayson Elliott, who plays the Big Bopper in Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Elliott joins Diego Guevara, who portrays Ritchie Valens, Angela C. Howell, director/choreographer/music director who also plays Vi Petty, and MSMT Artistic Director, Curt Dale Clark for a conversation about the musical with Broadway World’s Maine Editor, Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold at the second Peek Behind the Curtain series of the season. The record-breaking crowd attending the panel discussion mirrors the sold-out houses THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY has been drawing each night at the Pickard Theatre. They have come to celebrate the rock n’ roll legends and to explore what made Buddy Holly and his early colleagues such phenomena of music history.

Review: BUDDY THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - Jul 6, 2023

What did our critic think of BUDDY THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL? The current production at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is Buddy the Buddy Holly Story. It was the first of the jukebox musicals premiering in 1989.  It’s not just the story of the short-lived life of Buddy Holly but it also tells the story of rock ‘n roll in its infancy and the pioneers who created the sound.