High-energy opening weekend thrills Long Beach with a concert-style experience, live instruments, and standing ovations, Limited run continues through July 27
Long Beach CA – Musical Theatre West’s (MTW) production of “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” kicked off its limited-time run to thunderous applause, standing ovations, and audiences singing along to the iconic hits of the rock ‘n’ roll legend. The energy was electric as theatergoers packed the Carpenter Performing Arts Center during opening weekend, July 11–13. Few tickets remain for select performances through the final show on July 27 at musical.org.
Opening weekend also included a rockin’ red carpet celebration on Saturday night, where cast members walked the step-and-repeat and posed with fans, media friends, and VIPs. Guests enjoyed pre-show festivities including live music performed by Long Beach Blues Society, themed photo ops, and even edible “crickets” as a playful nod to Holly’s band, The Crickets – a fun and memorable touch that had everyone talking.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more vibrant start to this summer’s production,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director and Producer of Musical Theatre West. “The energy in the theatre is contagious, the talent onstage is undeniable, and the audience response has been overwhelming. We’re thrilled to see Southern California showing up to celebrate the life and music of a true American icon.”
Written by Alan Janes, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of one of rock’s earliest pioneers. The show is brought to life under the expert Direction and Choreography of Keith Andrews, with Ryan O’Connell leading Music Direction and Brig Johnson serving as Production Stage Manager. The result is a powerhouse production that feels just as much like a full-blown rock concert as it does a traditional musical.
Audiences have been wowed by the raw rock ‘n’ roll energy of the production, thanks in large part to the extraordinary cast of actor-musicians playing their instruments live onstage. Leading the charge is MTW favorite Will Riddle as Buddy Holly, whose all-in performance perfectly captures the spirit of a young artist refusing to believe in limits. His renditions of “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Everyday” are both musically masterful and emotionally resonant, a performance that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain.
Joining Riddle is a stellar cast of actor-musicians whose technical skill and stage presence have wowed audiences: Chase Ramsey (Broadway’s The Book of Mormon) as Tommy Allsopp, Janaya Mahealani Jones (MTW’s Grease) as the powerhouse Marlena Madison, Brian Wallis as Murray Deutsch, Lauren Han as Mary Lou Sokolof, and Justin Marriel Boyd as Tyrone Jones. Highlights from the show include “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (Ali Márquez-Qadiri), “Chantilly Lace” by The Big Bopper (Trent Mills), and a show-stopping “Shout” performed by Jones’ Marlena Madison alongside Boyd’s dapper Tyrone Jones.
Audiences have described the experience as raw, exciting, and pure theatrical fun. With every cast member playing their own instruments live on stage, the show pulses with the energy of a live concert, and the audience can’t help but join in. From toe-tapping singalongs to spontaneous dancing in the aisles, it’s clear that Buddy is hitting all the right notes.
Musical Theatre West’s production of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story continues for select dates at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center through July 27, 2025. 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.