Bringing the tale of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story to life has been an incredible journey that has been made possible through the enormous talent of our assembled cast and crew. Our set construction team of Kevin Hacker, Rhonda Wilson, Danny Wilson, Mike McMillian, Ted Bullens, and Kevin Fisher had all key pieces built and installed in five days. Their work cleared the way for Art Director Kathryn Obidzinski and set artist Alison Ouderkirk to apply color and a splash of magic to bring the set alive. Much of the performance artistry was crafted by Band Director Gary Johnson and Music Director Margaret Macbeth, both directors-in-training assigned to the show, who led the cast through hours and hours of rehearsal prior to the cast and band ever stepping foot on the mainstage. Choreography Director Cassidy Hitt crafted and taught multiple unique and nuanced routines to the 10 songs that comprise the finale of the show in which the ensemble dances for 10 songs straight without a break -- a monumental task. The costuming team of Costume Designer Olivia Scott and assistants Laura Wade and Carole Courtney had a large task of integrating the period look and feel of some of the most iconic moments of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper and did not flinch at my request for the ensemble to have a costume change for every song in the 10-song finale. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the work of Production Coordinator Suzaane Schilfarth and Assistant Director Elise Short. They remain my core support creatively in all things at the theatre and their contribution to the show is invaluable.
Tom Staik, Director
