Site navigation

Skip navigation

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

By arrangement with Alan Janes for Theatre Partners

By Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson

Now playing until July 11, 2010   |  Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage

61 shows sold out!

The World’s Most Successful Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical

Viewed by more than 20 million people in over 17,000 performances worldwide

"Peggy Sue," "That’ll Be the Day," "Oh Boy," "Not Fade Away"—the list of hit songs penned by Buddy Holly goes on and on. By his untimely death, the legend had already changed popular music forever. Vibrant and celebratory, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story highlights the talent and passion that lives on in his music and continues to thrill audiences long after they dance out of the theatre!

Tickets from $25

 

         
 PLAY
Trailer
 PLAY
Zachary Stevenson
 & Elena Juatco
 PLAY
Kieran Martin
 Murphy & Michael
Scholar Jr.
 PLAY
Valerie Easton &
Sasha Niechoda
 PLAY
Bill Millerd &
Rebekka Sorenson

 

  • Reviews
  • Audience Comments
  • Blog Coverage
  • Artistic Team
  • Downloads

"Oh, Boy! Buddy's a blistering winner… Forget about feel-good. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is feel-great, leaving its audience roaring for more… Zachary Stevenson nails the rock 'n' roll legend in a full-throttle tribute that fires on all cylinders" —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun [Read More]

"When your entire audience is on their feet ready to break loose for a rock and roll party you know you have yet another hit on your hands…a must see for anyone who loves to rock and roll"
—Gillian Lockitch, Review from the House [Read More] 

"Zachary Stevenson makes the title character feel like a geeky, sexy, punk-rock rebel…the guy is a knockout" —Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight [Read More]

"One of the greatest performances seen on a Vancouver stage in a very long time…Zachary Stevenson’s killer performance, looks and sounds remarkably like the real thing" —Jerry Wasserman, Vancouverplays [Read More]

"For these few hours, Zachary Stevenson is Buddy Holly. He’s simply electric… I promise you’ll not only be entertained, but you’ll rave on!" —Christine Pilkington, Vancouver Mom [Read More] 

"Go for Stevenson's amazing performance, stay for the rockin’ good time!" —Mark Robins, Gay Vancouver [Read More] 

Zachary Stevenson (Buddy) performs with The Vancouver Sun’s Peter Birnie [View Video]

"Buddy Holly lives!" —Vancouver Sun interview with Zachary Stevenson [Read More]

"Oh boy! You don’t know what you’ve been a-missin" —Province Entertainment cover story [Read More]

"Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story pays tribute to a legend" —Georgia Straight interview with Zachary Stevenson

Zachary Stevenson interview with Red Robinson on Global BC [View Video]

"Oh Holly Nights at the Stanley" —Vancouver Courier story

"Remarkable… It’s a bona fide crowd pleaser." —Variety

"It sends people out of the theatre on an unstoppable high…sensational" —The Boston Globe

"Ludicrously enjoyable... Buddy Holly’s magnificent music undoubtedly ensures that you leave with a smile on your face and a spring in your step." —The Daily Telegraph

"High-octane and infectious... A gem of a musical." —Daily Express

"At the end the audience is elevated to joyful chaos." —New York Post

"The audience was on its feet at the end screaming for encores as if at a stadium concert." —Newsday

"How often do you experience a night where each and every hair on your arm stands to attention?" —BBC

"The show is an unashamed, rabble-rousing fiesta. It’s got everything." —Sunday Times 

"For a while it was 1958-59 again and Buddy Holly was at the top of the charts. It was a wonderful high energy production. Buddy was fantastic... are you sure it wasn't really him? Hearing Red Robinson's voice from CKWX 1130 was "electric" - it took us back to times when he ruled the Vancouver Rock & Roll scene. If you lived and grew up through this era you have to see this show!!"
—Al, North Vancouver

"I gave my partner tickets for his 50th and we enjoyed the show very much. I have passed along to friends a good review so hope they get the chance to enjoy the production as much as we did. It's seldom I know all the words to all the songs! Can't wait for the new season to begin."
—M, Surrey

"I liked the show so much that when I had visitors coming from the Philippines, I bought them tickets and Buddy was one of the highlights of their visit to Vancouver."
—Pete, Richmond

"This show was truly wonderful. We clapped, cheered, laughed and cried. What a luminous and passionate performance! Well done!"
—Ann, White Rock

"This show was fantastic. I really liked the audience interaction. It was like you were actually there at his performances. I would highly recommend this play."
—Shera, New Westminster

"We laughed! We cried! We sang! We remembered! Zachary and the whole cast were so believable and talented we were transported back to the late 1950's for a most enjoyable afternoon!"
—Sue, North Vancouver

"I remember as a teenager buying Buddy Holly EPs and being totally immersed in Buddy Holly magic! So when I saw the Buddy Holly musical playing at the Arts Club Industrial Alliance Stage ...I told all my friends and attended with my wife. I was amazed at this fast paced musical....the playing (band) and the dancing...I only wish there was more room in the balcony for me to get up and dance!
Buddy Holly and The Crickets were ahead of their time...they broke new ground in recording technology and I am glad this play brought the spirit and vitality of a young man from Lubbock, Texas to life.
Thank You Arts Club!!!"
—Barry, West Vancouver

"This was an excellent show - very entertaining and certainly a toe-tapping evening. Loved all the old songs. Have recommended it to our friends."
—Florence, West Vancouver

"I had house guests from Arizona and California. They thought the show was fantastic - really got into the energy of the show and took part whenever possible. It was a great evening for all of us and the lead of Buddy Holly was so close to the real person, it was uncanny. Thank you for a memorable evening."
—Betty, North Vancouver

"I saw it twice. I thought it was fabulous and was overwhelmed by the quality of the production and actors. My friend commented after a few songs "Maybe he isn't dead", he was so blown away with Zach's portrayal of Buddy Holly. I sang and danced in my seat the whole time. Thank you so much, each and every one of you."
—Sherry, Richmond

"This was one of the best plays I've ever seen at the Arts Club! High energy combined with great talent=a great show! Thank you!"
—Carol, Richmond

"Although I was never a real fan of Buddy Holly, I thought that this production was very well done and the audience was taken back to the 50's and felt that Buddy himself was there performing for the audience. Very talented group of performers. I've enjoyed every Arts Club production that I have seen. Keep up the good work!"
—Charlene, Coquitlam

"A wonderful show. I live in the B.C. interior and had friends over from England and took them to the Buddy Holly Story for their last night in Canada and it was a marvelous ending to their trip. This was way up there with shows they had seen in London. Cast and singing was superb and something we will never forget. Thank you"
—Geraldine

"What an amazing, amazing, show!! It was so hard to sit still then finally at the end when the cast was being introduced, that was it and I stood, clapped and danced. I loved it so much I've talked a group of girlfriends into going - can't wait and I won't hold back when I want to let loose. Thanks so much for putting on such a fabulous show. Hopefully, it won't be long before you have another run of Buddy!"
—Debbie, Surrey

"I absolutely loved the show! I went once with students from my school and enjoyed it so much that I bought tickets for myself and my three daughters. We had a fantastic time! Keep those kind of shows coming!"
—Diane, Delta

"The show was absolutely fantastic! Great value for the money, awesome music, wonderful performers. Encore!"
—Sharleen, Richmond

"I just loved this show. Zachary Stevenson nailed Buddy Holly. Great voice, moves were perfect, he could have been his twin. Big Bopper and Richie Valens were an added bonus! I highly recommend this to anyone who grow up in the 50s and 60s, this music will make you feel 16 again!"
—Norma, North Vancouver

"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Buddy Holly Story. Zach did a fantastic job in portraying Buddy. The show exceeded our expectation and we would recommend it to our friends."
—Judy, Richmond

"It was the best show we have ever seen, and I saw Buddy Holly in Montreal in 1957, the problem is I can't remember the show."
—Dave, North Vancouver

"THE BEST!!..I loved every minute. Was wanting to yell out "take the bus" but resisted as I am Canadian.
I was worried it would be really sad at the end but, it was perfect and ended with that fabulous tribute to rock and roll which is Buddy's legacy!"
—Jill, Vancouver

"Show was absolutely amazing. Zachary Stevenson did an incredible job bringing Buddy Holly back to life. His voice was perfect for the part! I recommend that everyone sees this show before July 11th!"
—Cherilyn, Coquitlam

"Fantastic talent..loved it..very well done"
—Harri, West Vancouver

"The production was flawless, we had a wonderful time, the atmosphere in the theatre made us remember where we were when we listened to Buddy Holly in our youth"
—Margaret, Vancouver

"Absolutely loved the show.....everyone in our family from 20 years to almost 60 had a great time. The lead singer/actor "Buddy" was amazing.....a true star. Thank you so much!"
—Karen, Vancouver

"Zachary Stevenson did a masterful job of impersonating the look, mannerisms, musical genius and vocal characteristics of Buddy Holly. He was so believable that for those 2-l/2 hours, we felt as though we had been taken back in time. The performance was extremely well orchestrated and the rest of the cast was superb! It was thrilling to watch! Thank you Arts Club."
—Maria, Vancouver

"It's really good show. All the artists are so great."
—Yvonne, Vancouver

"We really enjoyed the show and thought the acting and music were fabulous. As a result of our satisfaction, we have recommended it to many of our friends and several have or will purchase tickets. Keep up the quality work!"
—Phil, Langley

"I recently saw this production and was just "wowed" by the music and choreography! The audience was obviously thoroughly enjoying the event with all ages singing and tapping along to the lively chorus. All the actors were fabulous, but special mention goes to 'Buddy Holly' and the 'Big Bopper' - outstanding performances!"
—Margaret, Pitt Meadows

"The first LP album I ever bought was Buddy Holly's. I think I was 14 (52 years ago! Wow!) I remember turning on the radio and hearing the announcement of the plane crash. The show was fantastic. Loved all the songs and the story that follows through that brief period of Buddy's life and career. Richie and the Big Bopper are also great in the show."
—Robert

"A great show with lots of fun and audience interaction. Excellent cast especially of course 'Buddy'. 'Richie Valens' and 'Big Bopper' were also very well played. Great music!"
—Frances, Vancouver

"Loved, loved, loved it. "Buddy" was fantastic. I am returning to see it again with my kids. Thank you."
—Maggie, Vancouver

"AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! We enjoyed it immensely."
—Deborah, Vancouver

"Absolutely fantastic. We all loved it. The young man who played Buddy was phenomenal. The entire production was terrific. We have recommended it to everyone we know."
—Patti, Vancouver

"FABULOUS! If you closed your eyes you really thought Buddy Holly was in the room. Amazing job guys. My daughter was in the back row whooping, hollering, clapping and cheering throughout - she LOVED it."
—Roni

"What an up-lifting experience it was, seeing Buddy Holly at the Stanley. It was heartening to know that this much talent exists and is working in our midst."
—Gena, Vancouver

"Absolutely, thoroughly, positively enjoyed the show. The singing, the dancing, the gyrating that was going on....and that was just ME in the aisle! The crew on stage were pretty good too! A special treat, unexpected by moi, was the performance by 'Ritchie Valens' doing La Bamba....brought down the house. Well done!"
—Patricia, Vancouver

"Excellent! This was the second time we have seen this production and it was amazing. Keep up the good work of bringing first class theatre to Vancouver. Congratulations to the cast and production team."
—John, Delta

"We enjoyed the show immensely, the performers were superbly cast and very authentic. A most enjoyable evening, one we could watch over and over. The same sentiments were felt by my UK family who were visiting at the time."
—Sandy, Surrey

"A tremendously entertaining show. It seemed the cast had as much fun as the audience did. Absolutely recommend it!"
—Bernice, Qualicum

"It was incredible - a very clever mix of watching a play, being at a music performance and participating in the production.
We were thrilled to be there. All the cast were outstanding and I can't think of superlatives enough for the young man Zachary Stevenson. What energy !!"
—Elizabeth, Surrey

"We had a WONDERFUL time. Great music, terrific cast, awesome production!!!!! 10 out of 10!!!!!!"
—Eva, Surrey

"We thought it was excellent in every way. Very entertaining!"
—Clair, West Vancouver

"The show was phenomenal. I wished that there was a dance floor instead of assigned seating because I would have danced all night long. I felt that I was watching Buddy live. I fell in love with his music all over again. He was truly a musical genius."
—Marcy, Vancouver

"This was one of the most "feel good" plays I have ever been to. The talent was unbelievable. My husband (not a "theatre guy") was blown away by the lead guitarist. I cannot single out one actor as they were all great, in my view. Loved the brass as well. I haven't been to the theatre in a while. This definitely revived my interest!"
—Janet, North Vancouver

"An on-your-feet Rock N' Roll party!
Zachary Stevenson brings a legend to life!
Best musical stage show I have seen in a long time.
A must see event!!"
—Bill, Richmond

"It's like an experience in time travel! The real Buddy. The real Crickets. The real, raw feeling of rock n roll in that era. Zachary Stevenson’s portrayal of Buddy is outstanding."
—Debbie, Qualicum Beach

"The four of us, all of an age that we remember the fifties, enjoyed the show immensely. The show was full of energy and finished with the whole audience on our feet singing. If you like Buddy Holly's music you will absolutely love this show."
—Frederick, North Vancouver

"Loved it, is a great story and as it is true, has all of the elements that take you from being sad, to imagining what it was like in those days of early rock and roll, to fun, to outrageous having fun just as though you were there type fun!"
—Barb, Vancouver

"Terrific! The story was so well done; the cast is so talented and energetic! This is one of the best shows I have seen!
Having Red Robinson as the DJ who announces Buddy's death was brilliant!"
—Joann, Surrey

"I recently saw the play, "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story". This play is incredible. I feel as though I've seen a real Buddy Holly concert, along with Richie Valens and the Big Bopper! From the storyline to the music, it was great, and I'd recommend this to anybody interested in being brought back to the good old days. So much talent."
—Kelly, Vancouver

"Some music just NEVER dies. Exceptional performance, that even my children enjoyed."
—Lenka, North Vancouver

"Buddy lives on! Zachary IS Buddy Holly. Sheer entertainment from beginning to end. Do not deprive yourself of this experience."
—Bob, Chilliwack

"My daughter and I enjoyed the show. It was fantastic! So glad we went and we are telling everyone!!!"
—Marilynn, Vancouver

"GREAT!!! I have been giving it the high five at work today!"
—Betty, Lye

"Awesome! I totally recommend it. I bought the tickets for my mom's birthday but I had just as much fun!"
—Jen, Vancouver

"Faaantastic! Performers were awesome and Zachary Stevenson, I swear, channels Buddy Holly. It was like actually being at the Clear Lake Concert.
Great to see all the oldsters (moi included) up shakin' it at the finale."
—Percy, Summerland

"An excellent production. Great entertainment and superbly performed. Keep up the good work."
—Dayan

"An awesome walk back in time. Very nostalgic. An excellent production!"
—Patricia, Vancouver

"Outstanding entertainment! What a talented group of actors! We are very fortunate to have high caliber performances such as this in Vancouver"
—Dina, Vancouver

"The show was fabulous. The music and the acting was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was like having a concert and a play for the price of one."
—Wendy, Abbotsford

"The cast and production were excellent. The actor playing Buddy was superb and both he and the actor who played The Big Bopper were notable for the energy and enthusiasm they both put into their roles. I will likely see this performance again."
—Dennis, Abbotsford

"I took my 10 yr old son for his first taste of live theatre - even he was enthralled for the entire show! Music was incredible and actors were as close to the real thing as was ever possible! But the highlight was the end of the show watching everyone up and dancing to the music."
—Judith, North Vancouver

"One of the best shows to date. The cast were phenomenal and of course the music brought back wonderful memories of our youth. Very clever the stage setting and a pleasant way to deal with the scene of the passing of Buddy. Thanks for the wonderful entertainment."
—Roberta, Delta

"Absolutely fantastic. It made us forget that this wasn't an original Buddy Holly concert. Loved every moment."
—Pamela, Surrey

"Great show. Very enjoyable. Zachary Stevenson is excellent as Buddy. Already recommended show to friend and they're going. We might even go again."
—Monty, Langley

"Absolutely awesome! What talented performers. The lead sounded just like the real Buddy Holly - not easy to achieve! We've already recommended the show to friends."
—Sharri, Coquitlam

"An outstanding production full of incredible vitality and great music. Almost our whole family attended, and all nine of us, ranging in age from 18 to 80, thought it was wonderful."
—Elizabeth, Surrey

"Talented and energetic cast, fabulous music and so much fun singing along to those memorable Buddy Holly hits - a wonderful production! I'm telling all my friends not to miss it...."
—Norma, Gibsons

"What a fabulous production! My husband and I were transported back to the late 1950's and thoroughly enjoyed the Buddy Holly story as well as every song sung!!"
—Wendy, Port Moody

"Great musical, and the only one that my husband has ever enjoyed!!! We were bouncing in our seats."
—Catherine, Maple Ridge

"It was FABULOUS. We may try to see it again."
—Sarah, Burnaby

"BEST SHOW OF THE SEASON! High energy, a play and concert combined. Totally thought it was Buddy himself."
—Marsha, Coquitlam

"Wow! what a show. You've really outdone yourself. The cast is simply superb."
—Patricia, Vancouver

"What a fantastic show!! A full week later, I'm still thinking about it every day. Definitely the highlight of the season for us. A "must see!"
Diane, Vancouver

"I loved the show. It was filled with energy which transmitted to the audience. I couldn't keep still in my seat."
Kathy, Vancouver

"I bought tickets for a family outing; it was a huge success! The parents truly enjoyed it and the kids (early twenties) were smiling, clapping and singing along during the audience participation numbers. The cast was fantastic. A really fun couple of hours!"
—Kelly, West Vancouver

"What a fab way to spend a rainy Sat, afternoon!!"
—Sharon, Surrey

"This was a fantastic show and I enjoyed every single minute of it! I felt as if I had been transported back in time."
—Margaret, North Vancouver

"Awesome, it was like being at the his final performance!!Amazing performances by all of the cast!"
—Shireen, Coquitlam

"Fantastic show! Great theatre! Pleasant helpful staff! What more could you want? I would recommend this show to anyone."
—John, Snow Road, Ontario

"Great show - we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, felt like we were part of the play. Excellent actors and characters. Lots of laughs and, surprisingly a couple of tears. I've already told my friends and recommended that they see it. Looking forward to your next production."
—May, Langley

"I was not sure what to expect as Buddy Holly is not from my era, wasn't born until late 60's. But I can say that this show was seriously electric and have been recommending it to everyone I speak to. Bravo, Bravo..."
—Elizabeth, Vancouver

"Fantastic!!! As part of that generation it was great to see it even though the loss of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens was truly devastating at the time and still is! Zachary Stevenson did a truly wonderful job and looks so much like Buddy it was eerie! I would recommend this play to anyone...young or old! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!!"
—Janis, Port Moody

"Have you got an hour? ! It was one on the best things I have seen in a LONG time-in any genre of performances.....LOVED it! I can't wait to see it again and I most certainly have been spreading the word..! The performances were genuine, the music accurate and joyful and the story was very well interpreted. I loved the audience participation! I wanted to get up and boogie throughout most of it--anyway, thank-you SO MUCH!"
—Margot, Vancouver

"OMG it was AMAZING...LOVED IT!!"
—Catherine, Delta

"Saw the show with three generations. My mom, myself, and my son. All of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and would recommend to anyone who loved the 50s."
—Carolyn

"BEST MUSICAL PLAY I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!"
—Amanda, Delta

"Oh Boy! Was I blown away! Zachary Stevenson delivers perfection as Buddy! The entire cast made it an exceptional production. It was hilarious and dramatic at the same time. A MUST SEE! Have told everyone I know!!"
—Carrie, New Westminster

"I have been to many big Las Vegas shows and I must say Buddy compares quite favourably to the best I've seen! Wonderful show!"
—Derek, Langley

"Outstanding!!! Bravo!!! Loved every minute! Thank you!"
—Anonymous

"The show was better than I could have imagined. I have already told anyone that would listen to me, that they have to go and see it."
—Anne

"What a great day! The music was toe-tapping and everyone wanted to sing along. The electricity was in the air. We all walked away feeling like we wanted to dance down the street."
—Iris

"Great music, lots of energy and good acting! I give the Buddy Holly Story *****. We had a ball!"
—Lorna, Surrey

"Great show, singing was fabulous. Buddy the actor was fantastic."
—Kathy, West Vancouver

"We have attended many wonderful performances over the years, but we've never had as much fun at a performance, nor seen such a wildly enthusiastic audience, as we did at Buddy."
—David, North Vancouver

"This play is a 10/10! I loved it and plan to see it again. I never see plays a second time, but Buddy was so terrific that I am purchasing 2 more seats for next week. Best play I've seen for a long time."
—Teri, North Vancouver

"The performance and talent were exceptional. I enjoyed myself so much. The calibre of the cast members pulled me along with the complete audience into a memory keeping evening. Thank you so much. It is a privilege to know the cast and to be entertained by them. Continuing to recommend it to others."
—Gloria, Vancouver

"Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is without a doubt one of the best live performances that we have seen in our 60+ years of attending live theatre in Vancouver. We hope that we can go again and we have never done that before. It is fantastic!"
—Linda, Burnaby

"That is one of the best theatre productions we have ever seen and we are telling everyone not to miss it. I'm sure it will be standing-room only as soon as word gets around. You are not getting older, you are getting better. One would have to be dead not to have loved every minute of Buddy. Thank you so very much for providing such first class entertainment."
—June

"I just wanted to say that we absolutely loved the performance. Everyone was fantastic. The only problem is that we can't stop humming the tunes...!"
—Michelle, West Vancouver

"What a great night out! Buddy was a lot of fun and great music. We left the theatre with grins on our faces and humming the music. Zachary and all the players were well chosen and gave a wonderful performance. We will be back!"
—Terry, Coquitlam

"The cast outdid themselves......I really felt like Buddy Holly was on stage.......Great musicians one and all! We'll definitely spread the word.......Congratulations on a winning performance!"
—Gail, Langley

"I am 63. Missed Buddy Holly somehow growing up in small town Ontario. Great to be educated to the innocence. Bought a Buddy Holly CD and have been playing the songs over and over. Will send the CD to my grandaughter as an historical musical pillar. The musicians were great. As close as one could get to real. I think Zach sounds better than Buddy Holly."
—Anonymous

"Absolutely fabulous! The energy from the performers was remarkable!"
—Christine, Prince George

"I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The lead star was excellent and the supporting cast equally as good. I thoroughly recommend it and have done so to friends and family. Thank you for a great evening."
—Audrey, Vancouver

"We recently attended a matinee performance of Buddy and were thoroughly impressed with the whole production. Zachary Stevenson steals the show as Buddy but his supporting cast (with many doing double duty) are also to be commended for their quality performances. The staging was exceptional, especially the clever dual settings at the Apollo Theatre. Authentic 50s costuming added important detail. But the best, the very best, was the music, played to perfection by an outstanding group of musicians. What fun! Congratulations! Rave on!"
—Gayle, Surrey

"Fantastic. The acting was terrific, the music fun and brought back happy memories. I have been recommending it to my family and friends. Thank you for another great production."
—Judith, Vancouver

"We can only use superlatives to describe our delight with this awesome performance in all respects!!"
—Eleanor, New Westminster
"One of the best local productions I've ever seen. A fun time. I highly recommend it."
—Madeleine

"Truly one of the best live presentations I have experienced. I highly recommend the performance!"
—Greg, Delta

"We were a group of 5 {2 ex Pat Brits} and we all thoroughly enjoyed the production. We all said we could watch it again and again. It was a most enjoyable show, fabulous cast, wonderful music which brought back memories of long ago and had us singing, dancing and clapping in our seats. We visited London many times during its run there but it was impossible to obtain tickets on the dates we were available so there was no way we were going to miss it's stop in Vancouver. Thank you Arts Club for bringing it here! And oh yes, we have told everybody we meet to go see the show."
—Leonore, Richmond

"You have a winner here. We all (3 passport holders) enjoyed this production...it was rockin'! We thought "Buddy", "The Big Bopper" and "Valens" did a bang up job of these classics, and had no hesitation in giving a standing ovation for the cast and music! We will be returning. And we have already reccomended this play to several people."
—Myda

"THIS SHOW WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed EVERY minute. Unbelievable talent and FLAWLESSLY acted and sung. I did not want it to end."
—Lois Elaine, Gibsons

"WHAT A GREAT SHOW!!! So nice to see everyone with such a smile on their face after the show. Had a great time. Loved every minute of it!!!!!"
—Willem, Kamloops

"Surely that was the REAL Buddy Holly and not an actor! ;-)"
—Carrie, Vancouver

"We want to see it again. How is that for a review? One of your best ever productions."
—Leonard & Raili, Coquitlam

"A great high energy musical! The lead was perfect - you thought he was Buddy Holly, not an actor playing him. The actors portraying the Big Bopper and Richie Valens brought incredible energy and musicality to their roles too. You couldn't help but clap and sing along with song after song. Outstanding!"
—Jeff, Surrey

"Loved it, loved it, loved it! We had SUCH a good time! Our 34 year son who, up to this point had not enjoyed live theatre, gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up. Our group was not alone in its opinion - even the women in the queue for the washroom at intermission were smiling, chatting, and obviously having a good time as well. That's 'gotta' tell you something."
—Ronajoy, Delta

"My friend and I loved Buddy and in fact I am going again next weekend with my sister. The songs brought back so many memories and I can't help wondering what happened to our old 45s. The performers were incredible and it was impossible not to move to the beat. Well worth the money."
—Lesley, Vancouver

"Great tunes. Great performers. Great night of entertainment. Thank you, Arts Club, for your wonderful musicals!"
—Nevin, Vancouver

"This show far exceeded my expectations. It was an incredible show with a top-notch cast. It was all I could do to (mostly) stay in my seat and not join the dancers on stage. Oh to be a backup singer for Buddy! :)"
—Corina, Abbotsford

"Loved, loved, loved it. Could have listened to "Buddy" sing much longer."
—Debbie, White Rock

"Wow... what an entertaining show. The cast was great and the singing was amazing. I would definitely recommend this show to anyone who loves 50's music."
—Jacklyne, Port Moody

"A fun energetic musical production!"
—Wayne

"Buddy was the best show I've seen in years!!! I am going back & taking my grandsons (10 & 12) because I know they'll love it & learn what real rock and roll is!!!"
—Wendy, White Rock

"Buddy was fantastic fun for all ages. I loved it (49 years young) my son loved it (11 years old). Zachary Stevenson's performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks to the Arts Club for bringing great musicals to Vancouver."
—Marian, Vancouver

"I loved it. It was lively and full of fun music."
—Russel, Vancouver

"Buddy took me back to high school days in Vancouver when life was much simpler. The show was full of memories of high school parties and jukeboxes. Buddy captured the essence of rock and roll. What a wonderful production!"
—Kingsley, Surrey

"This was one of the best musicals I have seen in a long time - I had five guests with me and we all enjoyed it immensely. I may even come back to see it again."
—Beverley, Gibsons

"Enjoyed the show and thought it was good value for the modest price of the tickets."
—Susan, Abbotsford

"Awesome production; lively and well-deserving of the standing ovation it got! Best musical we have seen in years."
—Sarika, Richmond

"Great show. Loved every minute of it."
—John, Surrey

"We thought this was an excellent show. It was almost as if Buddy Holly were still alive and working. The music was great, the atmosphere in the theatre was electric and we heard several interesting comments made by others during the intermission. In fact we have enjoyed our first full season at the theatre. The plays and musicals chosen are high quality as are the various performances. Thanks for the entertainment."
—Johanna & Derek, New Westminster

"A wonderful performance by all. The music was great, got you dancing in your seat!!!"
—Leslie, Port Moody

"Absolutely fantastic - high energy and fun all the way. 'Buddy' was incredible!"
—Amrita, North Vancouver

"This production was absolutely fantastic. I saw Buddy Holly live in concert when I was 16 and this took me right back. It was like I was watching the real thing all over again. They are great!"
—Janet, Pitt Meadows

"Fantastic show! My hands were clapping and feet bopping the entire time - a must see for the whole family!"
—Amanda, Vancouver

"We saw the show Buddy on Sunday with our four granddaughters, and loved it. It was so much fun that we bought tickets for our son and his wife for this Sundays show."
—Cathy, Surrey

"The acting and music in this play was excellent! The small, talented cast made the production fun from beginning to end. Buddy was so convincing and really brought the music to life. Top rate!"
—Jamie, Vancouver


Artistic team

By Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson
Starring
Zachary Stevenson with Jeff Bryant, Scott Carmichael, Marlene Ginader, Jeff Gladstone, Jeremy Holmes, Elena Juatco, Kieran Martin Murphy, Michael Scholar Jr., Milo Shandel, Denis Simpson, Sibel Thrasher, Alec Willows, Seana Lee Wood
Directed by
Bill Millerd
Musical Director
Sasha Niechoda
Choreographer
Valerie Easton
Set Designer
Ted Roberts
Costume Designer
Rebekka Sorenson
Lighting Designer
Marsha Sibthorpe
Sound Design
Chris Daniels
Musicians
Henry Christian, Tom Colclough, Neil Nicholson, Sasha Niechoda
Stage Manager
Caryn Fehr
Assistant Stage Manager
Ronaye Haynes

 

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Back ] Next ]