Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Nov. 7 – Jan. 5.
Buddy Holly is known as a pioneer of Rock n’ Roll and an influential figure in the music world.
His tragic death at 22 years old is famously deemed “the day that music died,” however tributes like The Argyle Theatre’s newest Main Stage show, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” keep the memory of the young singer alive.
Opening night for “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” kicks off Thursday, May 19, and runs until June 26 at the Babylon Village theater located at 34 West Main St.
Fans of Holly are transported to the 1950s as the musical tells the story of his three-year journey toward becoming the top recording artist in the world.
“What’s particularly unique, interesting and exciting about this show is it is comprised of actor-musicians,” said Dylan Perlman, co-owner of The Argyle Theatre. “The actors themselves are playing the instruments live on stage … so it’s like a concert within a show.”
The musical follows Holly’s short career from his first recording contract to his move to New York, and ends with the fatal tour of the Midwest.
After seeing the success of “Million Dollar Quartet” in 2019, where the actors also performed live music, Perlman said he wanted to bring back a similar show that audiences of all ages would enjoy.
He added that “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” is “two hours of some of the best Rock n’ Roll songs ever written.”
Audience members can enjoy over 20 of Buddy Holly’s iconic hits, including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day,” “Oh Boy,” “Raining In My Heart,” and others.
For some, the music was part of their childhood, while others seeing the show may be witnessing Holly’s impact for the very first time.
“For people who grew up with this music, it’s going to be reliving those memories, [they] are familiar with this, both the music and the story,” Perlman said. “For people who weren’t around, they get to experience history and something new all at once.”
“I think people will be able to relate to the story and the characters and be able to enjoy the show of it all,” he continued.
For more information on ticket prices and showtimes, visit Argyle Theatre’s website.