Arts & Entertainment

Buddy Holly Story at MTW

Musical Theatre West (MTW) dives into the heart of a rock and roll revolution with “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” a high-voltage production that brings the legacy of a music icon to life. Starring Will Riddle in a blazing portrayal of Buddy Holly and joined by a powerhouse cast of dynamic performers, the show is packed with chart-topping hits and electrifying energy. Performances run on select dates from July 11 through July 27 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

“This cast is truly something special,” said Paul Garman, executive director/producer of Musical Theatre West. “From seasoned performers to thrilling newcomers, every single member of this ensemble brings authenticity, passion and a love for this music. They don’t just play the roles – they live them.”

Returning to the role that helped shape him as a performer, Riddle brings both heart and heat to the stage. “I had the genuine honor of first putting on Buddy Holly’s glasses when I was 18 years old,” he shared. “Telling his story molded me as a performer and having a chance to return to the fountainhead with this piece is a pleasure as well as a responsibility.

“Buddy’s voice, his guitar – they connect us to a time and a place, but more importantly, they connect us to a feeling, an electricity. This show, the team at Musical Theatre West and the entire cast is a lightning rod, and we’re going to bring you back to that feeling. Thunderous, unapologetic, rock and roll.”

A Los Angeles native and fifth-generation artist, Riddle was seen in MTW’s 2024 production of “Million Dollar Quartet,” with additional Southern California credits including “Bottle Shock! The Musical” and the concept album “Perchance to Dream.” He is joined by a stellar cast of talent making their MTW debuts and returning to the stage, all of whom bring a bold rhythm to the story of Buddy Holly’s groundbreaking career by playing their own instruments live on stage.

Portraying Buddy Holly’s bandmate Joe B. Mauldin is Omar D. Brancato, a multi-talented performer and music director whose credits include “The Roger Miller Story” (Laguna Playhouse), “American Misfit” (Boston Court), and national tours of “Peter Pan” and “West Side Story.” Laura Leo Kelly, a trans actor and OCTG Award winner, will play bandmate Jerry Allison. Kelly was most recently seen in the Broadway-bound “Regency Girls” at the Old Globe and toured internationally in “West Side Story” as Anybodys. They have performed regionally in “Once” (CCAE Theatricals), “Jack & Aiden” (Ground Floor Theatre) and MTW productions of “Grease” and “Newsies.”

Making his MTW debut is Justin Mariel Boyd who will play the role of trumpet player Tyrone. Boyd is an actor from Nashville whose past roles include “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Phoebus), “Dreamgirls” (Curtis), “Rent” (Benny) and “Ragtime” (Coalhouse). Other featured performers include Trent Mills, Elizabeth Curtain, Mia Sempertegui, David Kirk Grant, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Chase Ramsey, Ryan DeNardo and Lauren Han, each with an impressive list of credits spanning Broadway, regional theater and television.

Directed with energy and filled with the unforgettable hits that defined a generation, MTW’s “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” promises to be a high-octane celebration of a musical legacy that continues to resonate. From “That’ll Be the Day” to “Peggy Sue,” audiences will be swept up in the beat that shaped the future of rock and roll.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at (562) 856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

Choir to Perform at Carnegie Hall

MidAmerica Productions presents an afternoon of outstanding choral music on Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. This performance will feature the Hughes Middle School - Vocal Collective of Long Beach, (Harlee C. Balajadia, director) and the renowned New England Symphonic Ensemble (Preston Hawes, artistic director).

The choir will perform Fauré’s Requiem in D Minor, featuring Amani Cole-Felder (soprano), Jonathan Patton (baritone) and conducted by Sarah Herrington. Also on the program is Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11, conducted by Noah Palmer. “We are thrilled to showcase the exceptional talent of the Hughes Middle School - Vocal Collective, on one of the world’s most prestigious stages,” said James E. Redcay III, chief executive officer of MidAmerica Productions. “The invitation extended to the ensemble is a testament to the outstanding musicianship and dedication of their singers. We are proud to welcome them to perform as part of our 42nd season at Carnegie Hall.”

The Hughes Middle School - Vocal Collective will be joined by the Liberty High School Choir, Liberty, TX (Christie Bean, director); Saratoga Voices, Burnt Hills, NY (Noah Palmer, director); and Wayland Baptist University Choirs, Plainview, TX (Sarah Herrington, director).

All participating musicians will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. They will also spend nine to ten hours in rehearsal as well as touring New York City.