Smoky Mountain News

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre’s next production is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to get feet tapping and may lead to dancing in the aisles.

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” debuted in the West End in London in 1989 and ran to packed houses for nearly 15 years. “Buddy” traces the musician’s career from his first appearance on KDAV radio in Lubbock, Texas in 1957 to his tragic death in a plane crash in February 1959 and along the way treats audiences to a series of hits.

The show concludes with Holly’s final concert at the Winter Dance Party in the Surf Ballroom in Clearlake, Iowa, and includes the songs of J.P Richardson, also known as The Big Bopper and Richie Vallens.

In 1957, recording artists were usually limited to four singles per year. Holly racked up 15 gold records in 15 months and recorded a lot more with his backup group, The Crickets.

Holly became a major influence in the music of The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and many others. Shortly before going on the Winter Dance Party tour Holly broke up with The Crickets and went out on his own.

On Feb. 2, 1959, he boarded a chartered plane along with Richardson and Vallens. The plane crashed, killing all aboard shortly after take off. For fans of rock ‘n roll, it was the day the music died. That same year Elvis Presley went into the U.S. Army.

HART’s production of “Buddy” is being directed by Steve Lloyd and has a cast that includes Mark Jones as Holly, Strother Stingley as The Big Bopper, Chris Rodriguez as Richie Vallens and Trevor Perry as Fats Domino.

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” will have performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays from now through October 17.

$22 adults, $20 seniors, Student/child $10 with special $5 discount tickets for students for Thursday and Sunday performances.

Box Office Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 828.456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com.