Arranged and Written by Alan Janes
Director/Choreographer: Shannan Steele
Music Director: Trent Hines
Stage Manager: Chandler Hinckley
Assistant Director/Choreographer: Kelly Kates
CASTING NEEDS
There are 17 roles available for adults (18+). All roles, unless otherwise noted, are open to actors of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, physical abilities, and gender identities. There are also roles for Understudies and Swings.
Most roles require the ability to play an instrument.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will run from August 3 through September 4, 2025, generally Sunday through Thursday evenings.
Rehearsal calendar is below. Please note that excessive conflicts may impact casting decisions. All rehearsal conflicts must be listed at the time of audition/callbacks and no conflicts will be accepted once rehearsals begin. No performance conflicts are allowed.
Tech
September 6 – 11, 2025
Performances
September 12 – October 19, 2025
All roles are paid a $500 rehearsal stipend and a per-show rate between $65 and $75 for performances. Understudies will receive an additional rehearsal stipend. Swings are paid a $500 rehearsal stipend and $100 per week on-call stipend for the run, plus a per-show rate for any performances they cover.
At this time there are no AEA/Equity/Union contracts available for this production.
Video Submission Information
Videos must be submitted by 11:59pm on Friday May 2, 2025 to be considered for casting. *There will be no in-person audition slots for this production.*
Invited callbacks will be held Saturday, May 10, from Noon to 5pm at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St, Littleton, CO 80120.
REQUIREMENTS
16-32 bars of a song from the show (done with accompaniment. No a capella submissions).
Women: Since there are minimal female solos from the show, you may choose to sing a song from the era/style by a female artist. If you play an instrument, either accompany yourself while singing, or submit a short video of you playing. Please make sure videos are not locked or set to private so they may be viewed by the Directing Team. Current headshot and resume.
THE LINK BELOW WILL LINK TO A GOOGLE FORM. FILL OUT ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION AND UPLOAD ALL AUDITION MATERIAL HERE.
THE LINK BELOW WILL LINK TO A GOOGLE DRIVE WITH AUDITION MATERIAL INCLUDING MUSIC FROM THE SCORE (TO BE USED FOR AUDITION PURPOSES ONLY) AS WELL AS A CALLBACK PACKET WITH SIDES AND SCENES.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION MATERIALS
Character Breakdown
The genders attached to characters are as they identify within the script. Actors of all genders are welcome to audition for any role they feel comfortable presenting on stage. Many named roles will double as musicians/band members throughout the show.
Buddy Holly (M)
Age: 18-25 – White presenting
Vocal Range: Baritone
Singer/Song writer whose talent and passion shaped early Rock ‘n Roll. Intelligent, charismatic, and full of soul.
Must play guitar.
Joe Maudlin (M)
Age: 18-25 – White presenting
Vocal Range: Open
Serious ‘square’ young man with musical ability.
Plays upright bass and bass guitar.
Jerry Allison (M)
Age: 18-25 – White presenting
Vocal Range: Open
Irrepressible cheeky humor.
Plays drums.
Maria Elena Holly (F)
Age: 18-25 – Latine/x
Vocal Range: Alto
Classy, educated, supportive. Excited to experience the world.
JP Richardson a.k.a The Big Bopper (M)
Age: 25-35 – White presenting
Vocal Range: Bari-Tenor
Larger-than-life Former DJ who became a rock star, best known for “Chantilly Lace.”
Ritchie Valens (M)
Age: 18-25 – Latin/x
Vocal Range: Tenor
Charismatic rock star best known for “La Bamba.”
Highpockets Duncan (M)
Age:30+
Vocal Range: Bari-Tenor
Effervescent Texas DJ with a commanding presence and fun sense of humor.
Norman Petty (M)
Age:30+
Vocal Range: Open
Business-like Record producer with an expansive knowledge and love of recording music.
Vi Petty (F)
Age:30+
Vocal Range: Open
Norman’s wife. A talented musician in her own right.
Plays piano.
Apollo Performers (2) (Open)
Age: Open – Black/African American/From the African Diaspora Vocal Range: Open Regular hosts at the Apollo Theatre – Masters of Ceremony who are amazing artists in their own right.
Supporting and Ensemble Characters
Age: Various
Vocal Range: Various
Character actors to play a collection of people including a NYC Record Producer, multiple DJs, and musical artists of all kinds.