Get Up Close and Personal with Buddy Holly at Civic Arts Plaza

One of the most influential musicians of early rock n’ roll came onto the scene as a nerdy nobody, earning his fame through his controversial style of music – that boy is known as Buddy Holly. Turning his story into a jukebox musical, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” takes audiences through Buddy’s early career, which skyrocketing at a roaring pace back in the 50s. Bringing his story to the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Buddy Holly will be taking the stage with the influential characters and music of his day, which helped form himself as an artist. Watch Buddy’s transformation into stardom at the Fred Kavli Theatre from March 12-15.

Originally opening on the West End, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story appeared onstage in 1989, making it one of the longest-running musicals in London, closing in 2002 and earning two Laurence Olivier nominations. Eventually moving to Broadway in 1990, the actor playing Buddy, Paul Hipp, won a Theatre World Award and a Tony. Since then, the show has had a West End revival and been produced all over the world. Directed by Matt Salisbury, this latest touring production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story has been all over the country, continuing its tour well into July 2015.

Whether Buddy Holly is one of your childhood heroes or a musician you know little about, this show has something for everyone. With a terrific cast taking you through Buddy’s life until his early and tragic death, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” tells the triumphant tale of a brilliant musician sticking with his gut to create the music that is his.

Using recognizable music of that time, the writer, Alan Janes, pieced together a story using music by Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Paul Anka, to name a few. Take a step back into a time of US history that had artists of all kinds fighting for their success and generally earning it, despite the negative criticisms they had collected. “Rave On” with Buddy at Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

Enjoy Buddy’s “Words of Love” at Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, from March 12-15 at the Civic Arts Plaza. Tickets available online.