Explore the life of the legendary musician who changed the face of music forever in the national tour of Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story on the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center stage on Monday, Sept. 23. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story charts his meteoric climb, legendary adventures and tragic fall on the fateful day the music died. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Buddy explodes onto the stage in this jukebox musical fully loaded with classics “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Well All Right,” “Not Fade Away” and many more with an encore that will have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles. One of the first jukebox musicals, Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story has been seen by millions of fans in 15 countries around the world, including the United States. The musical premiered in London’s West End in October, 1989, where it ran for 12 years and more than 5,000 performances. A Broadway production followed in 1990. The score includes more than 20 of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest hits by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and more.

Buddy Holly was the sound and the persona that shaped rock ‘n’ roll for decades to come. Though Holly was killed in a tragic plane crash at age 22, his career influence can be felt today. Notable artists who include him as a powerful influence include The Beatles, Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Don McLean, Bob Dylan, Steve Winwood, and Eric Clapton. Keith Richards has said Holly “had an influence on everybody,” and Bruce Springsteen told Rolling Stone in 1978 that he “play(s) Buddy Holly every night before I go on; that keeps me honest.”

The Vancouver Sun said the show “Fires on all cylinders … I doubt any audience can resist getting caught in rock ‘n’ roll fever and jumping to its feet. Forget about feel-good. Buddy is feel-great, leaving its audience roaring for more.”

Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Tickets range in price from $44 to $60 depending on seat location and availability. WVU students may purchase tickets for only $28 with a valid Mountaineer Card (one per ID) at the campus box offices. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

The University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit events.wvu.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.

-WVU-

dr/09/13/13

CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304-293-8222, David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.