CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Some may know the Hafen Theatre to be the comfortable, air-conditioned, indoor option for great professional productions at Tuacahn. And while it is certainly that, this summer it will also be a rock concert venue the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Buddy Holly himself was carving out his niche in the world.
“Imagine ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ but with a big horn section and two Jerry Lee Lewis types with pianos,” Keith Andrews, director of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” said referencing his previous directing experience at Tuacahn. “We’re definitely taking it up a notch.”
Unlike a rock concert, however, “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story“ actually tells the story of the meteoric rise of Holly and the lasting impact his music had on the future of rock ‘n’ roll, despite his life ending far sooner than anyone imagined.
“It’s really quite a moving story,” Andrews said. “People are often surprised by how moved they are by it, as well as entertained.”
Angela Howell, who serves as musical director for the show and also plays the role of Vi Petty, agreed.
“We’re talking about 17- and 20-year-olds who are taking the world by storm. It just happens to be in the 1950s as opposed to today,” she said. “But as you watch the show, you see how a teenager would be if they were handed this opportunity… whether they’re prepared for it or not.”
Andrews directed another production of “Buddy” back in 2019 in New York. That experience, along with two times directing “Million Dollar Quartet” at Tuacahn, has given him a great appreciation for what it means to harness the talents of actors and musicians who are each playing their instruments live on stage.
“It’s a big challenge. The actors have to be incredibly talented,” he said.
The group assembled for this season’s production definitely checks all the boxes – triple threats excelling in acting, playing multiple instruments and singing.
“Buddy has to play guitar, of course, and the Crickets have to play drums and bass, but from there you can fit all kinds of other instruments into the show,” Andrews said. “We’ve had banjos, mandolins, horn sections, saxophones, violins, fiddles; you name it and we can fit it into the show.”
Striking a balance between the music and storytelling is another way the Hafen Theatre plays an integral role.
“What’s great about the Hafen Theatre, not only does it have a wonderful sound, but it’s also an intimate space so you can really connect to the characters and really understand their stories,” Andrews said.
“It’s always a very popular piece,” Howell said. “Shows tend to sell out, or come close, and people are always asking for the theater to extend it. So grab your tickets, sit back and enjoy. It’s a really fun ride.”
“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” runs June 24 to Aug. 13 inside the Hafen Theatre at Tuacahn. For tickets, log onto Tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-652-3300.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.