
Oh, boy! Gather ’round, because I’ve got some fantastic news for you. Are you ready? Peggy Sue, are you listening? The world’s most successful rock & roll musical, “BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story,” is coming to town! And not just any town, but right here in Johannesburg, at the magnificent TEATRO at Montecasino from 21 April to 28 May 2023.
A brand-new, full-scale production is being brought to us by Pieter Toerien, in collaboration with Alan James. West End’s very own Nick Winston is directing this one-of-a-kind tribute musical, which takes us on an incredible journey through Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to the top of the record charts during the golden days of Rock ‘n Roll.

With original set and costume designs by Fleur du Cap winner Niall Griffin and musical direction by Wessel Odendaal, this production promises to be bigger and better than anything we’ve seen before on South African stages!
Our all-South African cast is led by popular local singer-songwriter Jethro Tait, taking on the legendary role of Buddy Holly. The ensemble features stage favourites like Bethany Dickson, Keaton Ditchfield, and many other talented performers who will bring the magic of Buddy Holly’s music to life.
Get ready to dance in the aisles as you listen to all your favourite songs like “That’ll Be The Day,” “True Love Ways,” “Oh Boy,” “La Bamba,” “Rave On,” “Everyday,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Not Fade Away,” “Maybe Baby,” and of course, the timeless classic “Peggy Sue.” Every performance is guaranteed to be a party!
Over 22 million people worldwide have seen BUDDY, which has won every best musical award possible! The story, told through words and music, revolves around the last few years of Buddy Holly’s life. A young man from Lubbock, Texas, Buddy Holly shot to stardom in 1957 with his band The Crickets, changing the face of popular music and becoming the world’s top recording artist. Tragically, he died in a plane crash at just 22 years old. That fateful flight also claimed the lives of Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson, and the date – February 3, 1959 – became forever known as “The Day the Music Died.”
But now, the music lives on! Don’t miss this chance to see “BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story” live on stage at The TEATRO at Montecasino from 21 April to 28 May 2023. Grab your tickets now at WEBTICKETS and the theatre office in Johannesburg.
Prices range from R150 to R500, with group booking discounts available upon request.

Remember, the legends of music all have something to say about Buddy Holly:
- “Buddy played the music I love, the music I grew up on” – Bob Dylan
- “John and I started to write because of Buddy Holly.” – Paul McCartney
- “I play Buddy Holly every night before going onstage. It keeps me honest.” – Bruce Springsteen
With that kind of praise, you won’t want to miss this exciting show!
– End