Auditions Announced for BUDDY-The Buddy Holly Story at the Covedale Center

Cincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for Covedale Marquee Holiday show:
BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story

• Sunday, Oct. 5th, 2025 1pm to 3:30pm
• Monday, Oct. 6th, 2025 6:30pm to 8:30pm
  Callbacks: Tuesday, Oct. 7th, 2025 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Audition Location: Warsaw Federal Incline Theater – 801 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204

If you’d like the audition form sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino AT Jenniferperrino@clpshows.org.

CLP is actively seeking diverse casts. Performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities and abilities are especially encouraged to audition and will be considered for all roles

January 22 – February 15, 2026
By arrangement with Alan Janes; Written by Alan Janes

BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story Tells the true story of Buddy’s meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when ‘That’ll Be The Day’ hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later on “The Day The Music Died”. Featuring over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits including: “That’ll be the Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Everyday”, “Oh Boy”, “Not Fade Away”, “Rave On”, “Chantilly Lace” and many more! The incredible legacy of the young man with glasses, whose musical career spanned an all too-brief period during the golden days of rock & roll, continues to live on in Buddy.

Production Team: Hunter Henrickson, Director/Music Director

• Please prepare to read from the script.
• Please prepare to sing between 16 and 32 measures of a musical theatre song (an accompanist will be provided).
• You will be taught a dance combination as well.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to audition.
• MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
• A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume.

While The Buddy Holly Story is first and foremost a musical, its use of live musicians doubling as actors and concert players makes it unique. Almost every cast member will be featured as an instrumentalist if able. I encourage any and all who play an instrument to promote that skill at the time of auditioning and to be prepared to showcase their playing abilities at the auditions/callbacks or with a short video that can be emailed to the directorial team. While not every track in the show requires playing ability, it’s certainly a plus to have.

• Jerry Allison – Male 20s – 30s. One of the Crickets. Sings backup vocals in many songs and must play drums.
• 4th Cricket – 20s – 30s. Second guitarist for the Crickets. Sings back up, must play guitar, and potentially plays other characters throughout the show.
• Highpockets Duncan – Male 30s – 50s. Father figure to Buddy who helps jump start his career. May play other characters in the show. Singing and instrumental experience are an added plus but not required.
• Norman Petty/Big Bopper – Male late 20s – 40s. The recording studio owner that first captured Buddy’s Rock n Roll music. Also plays the Big Bopper and sings “Chantilly Lace,” as well as other features in the show. Must be able to sing and portray the “larger than life” personality of the Big Bopper.
• Vi Petty – Female late 20s – 40s. The wife of Norman and second half of the recording team that helped launch Buddy’s career. Must play piano.
• Maria Elena – 20s – 30s latine. Eventual wife to Buddy Holly. Strong acting chops are a must. Singing, dance, and/or instrumental abilities are a plus but not required.
• Ritchie Valens – 20s male Latine. The youthful third in the trio of featured performers for the Winter Dance Party Tour. Sings La Bamba as well as other features in the final concert.
• 2 or 3 Apollo Performers – 20s – 40s African American. Sings “Shout” during act 1. Must be comfortable with light crowd work and have powerhouse vocals. May also double as a dancer or backup singer in other parts of the show.
• 4 – 6 Dancers – 20s – 30s. High energy dancers with partnering experience. Heavily featured throughout the show as the choreographed transitions between scenes and concert performers. May also play other characters throughout the show.
• Various Musicians – any age group. Musicians who play in the concert at the end of the show. Brass, reed, and piano players in particular are sought after for these positions. If comfortable, they may play other roles in the show.

Note: this production is not currently casting for the roles of Buddy Holly and Joe B. Mauldin.