Drury Lane Theatre announces casting for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, by Alan Janes, featuring the music of Buddy Holly. Directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director Matthew D. Carney, this toe-tapping tribute to rock’n’roll icon Buddy Holly runs August 19 – October 18, 2026, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is scheduled for August 26, 2026, 7pm.
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the life and music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly from his early start in Texas to his meteoric rise to fame and untimely death at the age of 22. Experience the original sound that changed rock and roll music as we know it.
The cast of Buddy –The Buddy Holly Story includes Joey Chelius (Buddy Holly (Guitar)), Marta Bady (Marlena Madison), Grant Alexander Brown (Joe Maudlin (Upright & Electric Bass), Jed Feder (Jerry Allison (Drums/Percussion), Eric Andrew Lewis (Engineer/Tyrone Jones), Russell Mernagh (Hipockets Duncan/Norman Petty/Murray Deutch/Big Bopper), Esteban Ortiz-Villacorta (Niki Sullivan/Ritchie Valens (Guitar)), and Samantha Sayah (Vi Petty/Maria Elena (Piano)). Understudies include Elliot Coe Esquivel, Joryhebel Ginorio, Darryl D’Angelo Jones, Jake Mickel, and Kelan M. Smith.
The creative team includes Matt Carney (Director), Chuck Mead (Music Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Rachel Boylan (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Leland Plumridge (Sound Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager).
Single tickets, priced $85-$150, go on sale May 15, 2026 at 10am and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more can receive special group pricing.
Season and Membership Information
The 2026/2027 season includes the wedding of the season in Father of the Bride (April 8 – May 31, 2026); holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense (June 10 – August 2, 2026); the toe-tapping tribute to a rock’n’roll pioneer Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (August 19 - October 18, 2026); the heartwarming family classic Annie (November 4, 2026 – January 10, 2027); and the musical office rebellion in heels 9 to 5 (January 27 - March 21, 2027).
Drury Lane Theatre’s performance schedule for the 2026/2027 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Lock in your seats for a season of spectacular theatre with Drury Lane’s Membership Program! Members have exclusive access to uniquely tailored benefits designed to enrich their Drury Lane experience, all at a cost savings of up to 50% off single ticket prices. Membership includes Tier One seating for all five Drury Lane Theatre productions, free ticket exchanges, dedicated dining credits at Lucille Restaurant, one complimentary Champagne Brunch, exclusive event invitations, Member pre-sales and unlimited single ticket discounts. Membership prices range from $254 - $285. For more information, Call Memberships at 630-570-7280 or email membership@drurylane.com.
Group tickets start at $45 and Student group tickets start at just $35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email Groups@DruryLane.com.
Gift certificates to Drury Lane can be purchased in any denomination, never expire, and can be used for performances, at Lucille Restaurant or for Drury Lane Events. Gift certificates can be purchased online at drurylanetheatre.com/gift-certificates or by calling the box office.
Dining and Special Events
Excellence isn’t limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.
Fact Sheet / Nunsense
Title: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
Book, Music and Lyrics by: Alan Janes
Directed by: Artistic Director Matthew D. Carney
Featuring: Joey Chelius (Buddy Holly (Guitar)), Marta Bady (Marlena Madison), Grant Alexander Brown (Joe Maudlin (Upright & Electric Bass), Jed Feder (Jerry Allison (Drums/Percussion), Eric Andrew Lewis (Engineer/Tyrone Jones), Russell Mernagh (Hipockets Duncan/Norman Petty/Murray Deutch/Big Bopper)), Esteban Ortiz-Villacorta (Niki Sullivan/Ritchie Valens (Guitar)), and Samantha Sayah (Vi Petty/Maria Elena (Piano)). Understudies include Elliot Coe Esquivel, Joryhebel Ginorio, Darryl D’Angelo Jones, Jake Mickel, and Kelan M. Smith.
Creatives: Chuck Mead (Music Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Rachel Boylan (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Leland Plumridge (Sound Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager).
Dates: August 19 – October 18, 2026
Press Opening: August 26, 2026, 7pm
Schedule:
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Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.
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Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
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Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Tickets: Tickets range from $85-150
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Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more
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Dining and show packages available
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Senior discounts available
Box Office: 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm
or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com
About Drury Lane Theatre
Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.
Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form.
The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.