Allen Burnett did theater in high school, but at 67, he’d never performed on stage for his adult kids. Until now.

Burnett said he still talks to Lisa in moments they would have shared in life.

“Lisa would be proud of me,” he said.

‘I dare you’

Burnett was raised in a small town south of Dallas, and his parents made sure their children experienced the arts. Recordings filled the house – the Big Band sound that his father liked and the Broadway musicals that his mother loved.

As a boy, Burnett attended symphony concerts and theater in Dallas. By the time he got to high school, he was on the other side of the lights – performing in plays and a musical. But memories can’t trump experience, so Burnett was nervous when he auditioned for the Good Company Players’ production of “Buddy.”

From left: Peyton Burnett, Taylor Burnett, Allen Burnett and Kylie Burnett. Not pictured: Chad Burnett.

There’s a back story to how he got there.

Several years ago, he found a partner in Julie Van Dam, who’d also lost a spouse to cancer. She and Burnett enjoyed going to GCP shows, and when auditions for “Buddy” were announced, Van Dam threw down the challenge.

“I dare you,” she said. Burnett was reluctant. “What do you have to lose?” Van Dam replied.

At the audition, Burnett showed he could carry a tune, and his Texas roots came in handy. Holly was from Lubbock, Texas, and Burnett lived there while attending Texas Tech University. More importantly, he could easily slip back into the “y’all’s” and ranch-country directness of a west Texas accent.

Burnett said he landed a part that was right for him. “I got just enough lines that I can remember them.”

The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.

Rehearsals started in February, with the show opening in late March. Burnett couldn’t quite get over that he was in the cast. “I felt like, ‘Am I in my element here?’ I mean, these are talented musicians and actors. Many of them do all the shows.” He sums up his feeling with one word: “Humbled.”

In addition, Burnett is grateful to be part of a cast filled with many young people. “It’s good for me at almost 70,” he said. One example: Daniel Montgomery – who plays Holly – was 19 when he won the role. “He’s got something like 900 lines,” Burnett said, shaking his head in admiration.

Mark Standriff, who’s directing “Buddy,” said Burnett intrigued him at auditions: “New guy. Nervous but ready to give his best shot. His lack of theater experience didn’t stop him from giving the energy and enthusiasm I was looking for.”

From the start of rehearsals, Burnett was hard working and supportive of other performers. “We joke about being two old and bald guys surrounded by a bunch of youngsters,” Standriff said. “I really appreciate him. He’s genuine. He’s flexible. And he listens.”

‘So emotional’

Burnett said he was nervous as his children arrived in town for the show. Kylie Burnett flew in from Portland, Ore., while Taylor Burnett and Peyton Burnett drove up from San Diego. Chad Burnett lives in Clovis.

“I’ll just make sure I don’t blow my lines,” Burnett said the day before his children saw the show. “I’m nervous but glad they’re here.”

The next night, he did fine on stage. Taylor Burnett was in tears watching her father. “I’m not going to lie. It was so emotional,” she said. Kylie Burnett added: “After all he’s been through – especially losing his wife – now he doesn’t have to worry about us, and we got to see him doing something he loves – just as he’s done for us through all the years.” Both daughters hope their father keeps performing, and maybe in bigger roles. “We’ll come back every time,” Taylor said.

Having his children in the audience sparked memories for Burnett. His thoughts drifted to Lisa, a sportswriter with a sharp wit who heard about her husband’s theater background but never got to see him on stage.

And yet, Burnett said: “She’s here. She’s always here.”

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” has seven more performances: May 15-17 and May 21-24. The show on May 22 is sold out.