Star of 'Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story' at TheatreZone in Naples previews the show

NAPLES, Fla. —

"Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story" is a jukebox musical that explores the life and career of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly, highlighting lesser-known details and dramatic elements.

From March 5-15, the musical is taking center stage at TheatreZone in Naples. The star of the show, Sam C. Jones (playing Buddy Holly), alongside the artistic director of TheatreZone, joined Good Morning Gulf Coast to talk about their experience remaking a classic.

The musical follows Holly's journey from 1956 to 1959, detailing his transformation from a country singer in Lubbock, Texas, to a global superstar.

The show, originally written by Alan Janes, is also pioneering. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a jukebox musical.

One of the most famous scenes depicts Buddy and the Crickets being booked at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 1957 by a promoter who mistakenly thought they were a Black R&B group.

They were the first all-white band to play the venue and won over a skeptical audience with their high-energy performance.

The stage production (and the 1978 film) sometimes takes "dramatic license" with the facts to enhance the story. The show often portrays his parents as being against his music, but in reality, they were highly supportive; his mother even helped him write some of his songs. On his final "Winter Dance Party" tour, Buddy wasn't backed by a full orchestra as seen in some theatrical finales. He was actually backed by a small band that included future country legend Waylon Jennings.

Unlike many musicals that use a hidden orchestra, Buddy is famous for using actor-musicians. Every note played on stage—guitars, drums, and piano—is performed live by the actors themselves.

If you want to see Sam C. Jones live on the stage as Buddy Holly, you can get tickets on the TheatreZone website.

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