Buddy ‘93

&SCENE’s weekly reunion show TOGETHER AGAIN to feature “The Buddy Holly Story” in “Buddy ‘93 : Together Again” on Saturday 9 May at 18h00 – CAT.

Hot on the heels of the success of Rent : Together Again on &CO’s new online streaming &SCENE last Saturday, they are thrilled to announce this week’s show will be Buddy ‘93 : Together Again. Taking place on Saturday 9 May at 18h00, the weekly reunion show will be highlighting the original 1993 cast of the musical that took South Africa by storm; The Buddy Holly Story.

It made perfect sense for &SCENE to bring back together some of the cast of this iconic musical production for its own TOGETHER AGAIN reunion, so that audiences and cast members alike can re-live some of those amazing memories and celebrate the iconic artist that felt the world way too soon.

Hosted by Natasha Van Der Merwe, South Africa’s own “Buddy”, Craig Urbani reunites with other cast members from the original 1993 production, namely Alistair Izobell, Michael Richard, Paul Ditchfield, Alan Swerdlow, and Leila Henriques.

Being actively involved in Musical Theatre over many years as well as being part of the Buddy phenomenon, Bryan Hill will join them in studio to share fascinating insights and stories about the production that changed the face of musical theatre in South Africa as we know it.

The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the rise to fame of pop music icon, Buddy Holly, as from his first performances with Buddy Holly and the Crickets to the tour that saw him die in the infamous plane crash that also claimed the lives of J.P. Richardson (also known as The Big Bopper), Ritchie Valens and their pilot, Roger Peterson.

Says producer and director of &SCENE, Drew Bakker; “Every week on Together Again, we are so excited to help audiences relive incredible moments of South African theatre. Full of non-stop nostalgia and stories, these are by no means comprehensive but a chance to relive those very special nights. For BUDDY ’93, we are thrilled to bring together members of the original company for a “fireside chats” version of Together Again for a much more intimate night of stories.”

Drew continues; “This is all to support a great cause: raising funds and awareness for the incredible work Theatre Benevolent Fund is doing for members of all facets of the entertainment community.”

Opening in 1993, The Buddy Holly Story was the first bio-musical seen in South Africa of its kind, and was a phenomenon not seen on our local shores previously. The show traveled South Africa, performing to packed houses for a further 6 years, audiences always wanting more, and set the trend for similar musicals to follow.

It’s also been a show that’s launched many an artist’s career both locally and internationally and is still one of the most requested shows to be re-staged, including that of Craig Urbani.

Says Craig; “I am so looking forward to the reunion of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. I can’t wait to sing some Buddy songs, reunite with a few of the old cast members, enjoy good chats and share some amazing stories about what was an incredible production! A huge “Thank You” to &SCENE for creating this platform. I’ll see you all on Saturday 9th May!”