This is a high energy musical depicting the explosion of rock-and-roll as an art form in the 1950s, so your audition should reflect the passion and excitement of that era.

Actors of all genders are welcome to audition for any role they feel comfortable presenting on stage. Ages shown are suggested but not mandatory in casting.

Many named roles will be double as musicians/band members throughout the show. Please prepare a short section (one verse, preferably) of an early rock & roll, rockabilly, or R&B song of your choice. Although there are no traditional dance numbers in this musical, each actor must be able to move well.

NOTE: Ability to play an instrument, especially guitar/bass/drums a plus…but not required.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

BUDDY HOLLY  (18-35) Singer-songwriter and star from Lubbock, Texas. Buddy is intelligent, impulsive, charismatic, and driven. Must have a feel for rock & roll. Some serious star potential, must have a desire to live as a rock & roll superstar every night.

JOE B. MAULDIN  (18-30) Double bass player from Lubbock, Texas. Serious, square young man with musical ability.

JERRY ALLISON  (18-30) Drummer from Lubbock, Texas. Good looking, irrepressible cheeky young man with musical ability.

MARIA ELENA HOLLY (20-30) Attractive young woman of Hispanic-American extraction. Classy and well-educated. Must be able to sing and musical ability an advantage.

J.P. RICHARDSON aka “THE BIG BOPPER”  (25-40) A former DJ, he is aTexan with an irrepressible larger-than-life character, with the ability to command the stage on his own as a single performer. His key song is "Chantilly Lace”.

RITCHIE VALENS  (17-30) Good looking singer of Hispanic-American extraction. Ritchie is an attractive, handsome boy with serious charisma, a dedicated eye for the ladies, and the ability to hold the stage in his own right. His key song is “La Bamba”.

HIPOCKETS DUNCAN  (30-50) An exuberant hometown radio DJ from Lubbock, Texas, with an air of authority and a keen sense of humor. 

NORMAN PETTY  (30-45) A record producer from Clovis, New Mexico, with a businesslike manner and a love of making music.

VI PETTY  (25-40) The wife of Norman with a heart of gold and a good sense of humor. Keyboard ability helpful.

TYRONE JONES (25+) Male of African-American extraction with the ability to hold the stage on their own. Key song “Shout”. Must have good comic timing.

MARLENA MADISON (25+) Female of African-American extraction with the ability to hold the stage on their own. Key song “Shout”. Must have good comic timing.

THE COMPANY Must be able to sing, dance and have ability to play a multitude of roles and musical instruments.

COMPANY ROLES INCLUDE:

MURRAY DEUTCH

RADIO ENGINEER

DECCA PRODUCER

ASST DECCA PRODUCER

MC AT CLEARLAKE

4TH CRICKET (TOMMY)

JINGLE SINGERS

HAYRIDERS

ENGLISH DJ

MUSICIANS AT CLEARLAKE

DJ WCLS

DJ WWOL

DJ WDAS

DJ KSPT