Teen Idol:
The Bobby Vee Story
By Bob Beverage in collaboration with Jeff and Tommy Vee
Directed by Ron Peluso
Musical arrangement by George Maurer
November 17–December 16, 2018
From Buddy to Bobby! Starring Tyler Michaels as Bobby Vee and Nicholas Freeman as Buddy Holly!
1959. With the tragic crash of Buddy Holly’s plane, a bright new star from Fargo emerged. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Velline performed at the Winter Dance Party in Moorhead, MN the day the music died. Bobby went on to record his first hit single, Suzie Baby, in Minneapolis - and soon would become a teen idol appearing on American Bandstand with Dick Clark and an international star who thrilled audiences for more than a decade with Top 40 hits like Devil or Angel, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes, Come Back When You Grow Up Girl and many more. Follow Bobby’s musical journey that includes fellow pop stars like Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie & The Ronettes, Dion, and Del Shannon.
Video: The Night Has A Thousand Eyes!
Did You Know?
Early in Vee’s career, a musician named Elston Gunnn [sic] briefly toured with the band. “Gunnn” later went on to fame as Bob Dylan.
Reviews (Teen Idol - The Bobby Vee Story, 2016 production):
- Crowd-pleasing, tune tribute to Bobby Vee returns to St. Paul's History Theatre (Star Tribune, 11/23/18)
- Tyler Michaels stars but there is so much talent in this cast (cherryandspoon.com)
- Tyler Michaels is the true deal as Bobby Vee. (irishgazette.com)
- "Teen Idol" at History Theatre fits to a Vee (Pioneer Press, 10/3/16)
- American idol Bobby Vee rocks once more (Star Tribune, 10/5/16)
- A fantastic show no matter your generation (cherryandspoon.com, 10/10/16)
- Certainly worth a spin on the turntable (talkinbroadway.com)
Learn more about Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story:
• Bobby Vee's Life Turned into a Play (MPR with Cathy Wurzer, 10/17/16)
• Playing Bobby Vee caps amazing run for actor Tod Petersen
• "Teen Idol" honors Bobby Vee's legacy
• Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee story at History Theatre
Learn more about Bobby and Karen:
• Vee's family hangs on to the memories (St. Cloud Times, 9/17/16)
• Take Time Today: Cherish Bobby Vee's Music (St. Cloud Times)
• Karen Velline: In the Shadow of Bobby Vee (Joetown Story)
Watch Teen Idol interviews and scene:
• Interview: Tyler Michaels and George Maurer (Musical Arranger)
• Scene: Bus Medley (with introduction by George Maurer)
- Making History: Teen Idol and The Bobby Vee Story
- Making History: Teen Idol Musical Collaborators Jeff Vee and George Maurer
Watch Bobby Vee's music videos:
• The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (Just for Fun)
• Run to Him (American Bandstand)
• Take Good Care of My Baby (Sha Na Na)