OGUNQUIT —  “Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story” rocks the Ogunquit Playhouse’s 80th Anniversary season to a close this fall from Sept. 19 – Oct. 21. The show follows the incredible journey of Buddy’s meteoric rise to the top of the record charts during the golden days of rock ‘n’ roll in this popular tribute musical. You’ll be cheering for more, with such rousing Fifties favorites as “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “Maybe Baby,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Raining In My Heart,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” 

Making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut as Buddy is Kurt Jenkins who has performed in numerous regional theatres in the U.S. and is the founder of the alternative-rock band Skyway Spirits. Jayson Elliot returns to Ogunquit to play the Big Bopper. Jayson was last seen on the Playhouse stage in 2011 as Brian in Avenue Q. In addition to his many stage credits, Jayson has played The Big Bopper in several tribute concerts along the East Coast. Ryan Jagru joins the cast as Richie Valens and Norm Petty is played by Luke Darnell who is a third- generation Ogunquit Playhouse performer. He recently performed in “Ring Of Fire, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story “and “Smoke On The Mountain” and has appeared on television shows “Ghost Whisperer” and “General Hospital.”

Director-choreographer for “Buddy” is DJ Salisbury who has directed and choreographed for theaters nationwide including Paper Mill Playhouse, Theatre of the Stars-Atlanta and Sacramento Music Circus. As Director-choreographer he has worked on many shows including “Man of La Mancha,” “Into The Woods,” “La Cage Aux Folles,: “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “The Full Monty,” “Evita.” “Ragtime” and nine productions of “The Will Rogers Follies.” In New York he directed numerous readings, workshops and concerts including a revised “Mystery of Edwin Drood” (featuring Sally Struthers) and the Lincoln Center solo concert of Disney composer Alan Menken, among others. DJ has worked in various capacities with Broadway heavyweights Jerry Mitchell, Kathleen Marshall, Lynne Taylor Corbett, Susan Stroman, Jeff Calhoun and Tommy Tune. As choreographer he worked on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars Road Trip” and “The Rachael Ray Show.” He was also head writer/lyricist for the Emmy-winning Oklahoma Centennial TV special starring Reba McIntyre, Vince Gill, Kelli O’Hara and Shirley Jones.

John Bannister is the music supervisor for the Ogunquit production of “Buddy.” He works full time as a musical director and supervisor in productions around the world, most notably for Buddy Worldwide LTD, the creators of the Buddy musical. He has had a vast history working with “Buddy-the Buddy Holly Story” around the world and including the Duchess Theatre, London. John was nominated for The Sterling Award for Most Outstanding Musical Director in Edmonton, Ca. for The Buddy Holly Story. In 2011, John wrote and arranged “Junior Buddy,” a children’s version of “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” which is sold worldwide. John continues to publicize Buddy Holly’s music by regularly appearing on television and radio and giving talks and master classes across North America.

He is an honors graduate of The Royal Academy of Music, London and began his career as a classical musician playing timpani, percussion and piano with orchestras such as The Royal Philharmonic, Welsh National Opera and Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet.

Eric Scott Anthony joins the creative team as music director and one of the Hayriders. Anthony is making his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse in “Buddy.” He has worked on Broadway in “Ring of Fire” and his regional theatre credits include “Ring of Fire,” “Pump Boys & Dinettes” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” as well as many others.

Individual ticket prices start at $39 per show. Purchase tickets and gift certificates online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, or through the Box Office at 646-5511.