The man. The legend. The music. BUDDY tells the story of how the gifted Buddy Holly became the world's top recording artist with a show that features Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, plus more than twenty of Holly's greatest hits including “Peggy Sue,” “That'll be the Day,” “Oh Boy,” “Rave On” and “Maybe Baby.” BUDDY has had audiences on their feet in every corner of the globe. Now the world's most successful rock n' roll musical is ready to explode on the SRT stage in a toe-tapping, hand-clapping extravaganza. “An utter joy. You will leave with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. EXHILARATING.” -- Daily Telegraph
Book by Alan Janes / Music by Buddy Holly and others
ANDY MERRILL (Ensemble) ANDY MERRILL was born in the coastal community of Santa Cruz, raised in the foothills of the Sierra and is thrilled to be making his professional acting debut with his hometown Sierra Reperatory Theater. He spent the last 5 years in Boston and graduated with a Bachelor's of Music in Performance from world-renowned Berklee College of Music. He is happy to be back and bringing his unique energy and enthusiasm to Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.
ASHLEY FLOWERS (Maria Elena/Dance Captain) ASHLEY FLOWERS is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with SRT. She was most recently seen as Louison in The Imaginary Invalid and Ariel in The Tempest, both at Murphys Creek Theater. Other roles include Rosencrantz in Hamlet, Johnna in August: Osage County and Belinda in Noises Off! She has been teaching dance in Tuolumne County for over 10 years and currently co-owns West Coast Dance Project with her mother, Angelene Flowers.
ASHLEY TOWNSEND (Ensemble) ASHLEY TOWNSEND is very happy to be back at SRT this season and to be working with such a fun cast. She loves all things theatre, but her main area of study was actually genetics at CSU Stanislaus, with a double minor in both forensic science and theatre. At Sierra Rep she has appeared in Cinderella (2003, 2012), Annie (2005, 2011), Idiots Delight (2007), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2006), and Phantom (2001). Thanks to her family for everything.
BRENDAN QUIRK (Tommy) BRENDAN QUIRK is very excited to be a part of Buddy. This will be Brendan's first professional production. Brendan studied theatre and music at Cal State Long Beach where he was in many productions including Side Show (Buddy Foster), As You Like It (Orlando) and The Big Book of Terrible Ideas Musical (Darren). He would like to thank his family for being ever supportive, and Ivy for always believing in him.
JOAQUIN DAVID (Jerry Allison) JOAQUIN DAVID is thrilled to be in his first show at Sierra Rep. Other shows include: A Midsummer Nights Dream, Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Footloose and The Sound of Music. Joaquin has been playing drums for 11 years and has played with the Columbia College Big Band, Summerville High School Orange Crush and Zero Hibernation Jazz Band. He would like to thank the amazing cast of Buddy and everyone at SRT for all their love and support.
KAYLA HART (Ensemble) KAYLA HART is thrilled to be returning to Sonora for her fourth show at SRT! She graduated in 2011 from UC Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in drama. Kayla has been appearing in shows since the age of five, including New York’s off-Broadway production of Siskiyou! A few of her memorable theatre credits include: Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, Roxie Hart in Chicago, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. Thanks to family, friends, and especially Dan. Love you!
KEITH BEVERLY (Apollo Performer) KEITH BEVERLY is a Las Vegas native and has been on a musical roller coaster for three years to train, perform and live within the world of musical theatre. From Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to Hairspray he has weaved through countless remarkable stories brought to life on the stages of many West Coast theaters. He has recently added recording artist to his bag of tricks and would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional love and support.
MICHAEL MISKO (Big Bopper/Norman Petty) MICHAEL MISKO is thrilled to return to SRT after his portrayal of Benny Southstreet in 2010’s Guys & Dolls. Michael is happy to reprise his role as The Big Bopper after playing him in Great Plains Theatre’s production in 2011. He is equally thrilled to be sharing the stage with his far-more-talented-than-he-is fiancée, Sarah. Credits: Tony in Dial “M” for Murder; Robert in Don’t Dress for Dinner, Katurian in The Pillowman, Nick in Baby, Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet and Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun.
MIKE FIORE (Ensemble) MIKE FIORE is ecstatic to be rejoining the SRT family after appearing in last season’s Cinderella! He hails from San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California. He is a recent graduate of PCPA Conservatory in Santa Maria, where some of his favorite roles were Slightly in Peter Pan and Claude in Hair. Mike is so thankful to be doing what he loves here in beautiful Sonora with the fine folk at SRT!
MJ JURGENSEN (Vi Petty) MJ JURGENSEN is proud to be making her first appearance on the SRT stage. MJ has been seen on stage all across the country. Regional credits include: Great Plains Theatre, Know Theatre Cincinnati, Shawnee Theatre, The National Theatre for Children, OK Shakespeare in the Park, MadCap Puppetry, and more. MJ is an avid beatboxer, sushi lover, musician, and disc golf pro. “Thank you to Scott for this amazing opportunity.” She earned a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University. www.mjjurgensen.com
RALPH KRUMINS (Buddy Holly) RALPH KRUMINS is excited to be premiering with Sierra Repertory Theatre reprising one of his favorite roles. Other regional credits include Smoke on the Mountain, Sanders Family Christmas, Guys & Dolls and The Nerd. Ralph, in his spare time, composes musicals and collects board games. Much love to family and friends near and far. RalphGregoryKrumins.com
ROBERTO ARAUJO (Ritchie Valens/Ensemble) ROBERTO ARAUJO is thrilled to make his SRT debut! His favorite NYC credits are: Jackson Heights 3am, Angelina Ballerina – The Musical, Aida at The Metropolitan Opera. Regional credits: Altar Boyz, Xanadu. International credits: Rent in Mexico City, Fame on tour in China, The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Germany. Film: Joseph: King Of Dreams. TV: 30 Rock. Roberto has also worked extensively with the Disney Special Events Group in Latin America. He was born and raised in Mexico City and now lives in NYC. www.RobertoAraujo.com
SARAH SESLER (Ensemble/Mary Lou) SARAH SESLER hails all the way from the east coast in Erie, PA! She spent the last two years as Hodel with the Fiddler on the Roof North American Tour! She was most recently seen as Margo in Dial "M" for Murder at the Great Plains Theatre. Sarah is thrilled to be at SRT. "With thanks to Scott and Dennis for this opportunity! All my loving to Michael (Big Bopper) as we get married this August 17th!
SCOTT NELSON (Ensemble) SCOTT NELSON is excited to be joining the cast of Buddy. He recently appeared as Jinx in Plaid Tidings at the Covina Performing Arts Center. Other credits: Aladdin, Seussical, West Side Story, and Oklahoma! He appeared at Opera San Luis Obispo in Pirates of Penzance, Don Giovanni and other operas for their 25th anniversary concert. Scott is thankful for this first SRT opportunity, hopes for more in the future and gives a big shout out to one of the best casts he’s had the privilege of working with! 
SKEEZ NAVA (Joe B. Mauldin) ALEX “SKEEZ” NAVA has been playing bass guitar for more than 25 years. He started playing the stand-up bass when he first played Joe in Buddy for Mountain Actor’s Conservatory in 1999. Other productions with SRT include playing stand-up bass in Ring of Fire, Forever Plaid and Idols of the King. Skeez would like to thank Gallien-Kruger for their generous endorsement and his family for their love and support.
TY SMITH (HiPockets Duncan) TY SMITH is an SRT company member and some of his 72 roles here include Richard Ehrlich in Time Stands Still, Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, Lord Capulet in Romeo & Juliet and Lear in King Lear. A graduate of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Professional Actor Training Program, Ty is a veteran of Off-Broadway, regional theaters and Shakespeare festivals across the country. He performed many roles with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival including Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night and Antonio in The Merchant of Venice.
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