“Buddy” tells the story in words and music of the last few years of Buddy Holly’s life.

Fountain Hills Theater is the first non-contracted theater in Arizona to produce this electrifying show. The show opens Friday, July 25, and continues through Aug. 16.

“Buddy” is the story of Buddy Holly from his early musical life through his final performance in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Buddy Holly and his high-school friends and bandmates, the Crickets, turn country music upside down and create a unique style of sound that some called “the devil’s music.”

The story tells about Holly’s frustrations at Decca Records, his skill as a songwriter and composer when recording and experimenting with Norman Petty, the excitement he and America felt when “That’ll Be the Day” went to No. 1, and his naïve determination to be the first white act to play the Apollo Theater.

The audience later meets Maria Elena, his future wife and witnesses their whirlwind romance. The play includes the ill-fated “Winter Dance Party” Tour of 1959. Finally, the local audience becomes the spectators at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, where Holly’s final performance with Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) and ‘Big Bopper’ J.P. Richardson (“Chantilly Lace”) is recreated.

The performance has been likened to what might be one of the most exciting musical concerts of all-time.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. on the Mainstage at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Individual tickets are $28 for adults and $23 for youths 17 and under. Seniors receive a $5 discount on all summer performances. Group rates and student rush discounts are available. Call the Box Office at (480) 837-9661, ext. 3, or visit fhtaz.org.