Oh Boy! The Buddy Holly Story for SE Queensland

Tease your hair and slip on your bobby socks.

Phoenix Ensemble presents Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story over five weekends, opening on 10 August, 2012, and audience members are encouraged to come along dressed in 50s fashion to help set the mood.

In 1959, the man who changed the face of popular music tragically died in a plane crash aged 22. Now,Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story tells the story of the three years in which he became the world’s top recording artist.

The show features more 20 of Buddy Holly’s hits including “Peggy Sue”, “That’ll Be The Day”, “Oh Boy”, “Not Fade Away”, “Everyday”, “Rave On”, “Maybe Baby”, “Raining In My Heart”, as well as Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba”, and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace”.

Director Debbie Taylor says audiences around the world have responded to this show not just because of Buddy’s music, but for who he was as a person.

“He was very talented, and his short but very public life reminds people to make the most of life while you can. Buddy’s story is simple: he had a goal and he achieved it, and even though he died young, he’s still remembered today. I’m sure audiences old enough still vividly remember ‘the day the music died’.”

The music may be more than 60 years old, but Buddy’s songs still get people smiling and moving.

“They’re simple and easy to listen to you, and make you feel happy when you hear them. It’s hard not to tap your toes or bop a bit when you hear a Buddy Holly song playing. The melodies are easy to sing along with and the words are honest – people can relate to them,” Debbie says.

She says the 18-strong cast has been working hard to learn the songs – and the stories – of Buddy and The Crickets, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. The talented cast will be singing, dancing and playing all musical instruments.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Beenleigh Showgrounds, James Street, Beenleigh

7.30pm: 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 August and 1, 7, 8 September

Tickets:  $26 adult; $24 concession

Bookings: 3103 1546 or online: www.phoenixensemble.com.au

Image:(Left to right) Lachlan Clark, Scott Young, Keegan O'neill, Adam O'Connor (Kate Davies - KD Photography).

More Reading

Community Theatre Seasons 2012 - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/community-theatre-seasons-2012

More Community Theatre - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre