The 50th annual Joseph Jefferson Awards, recognizing the work of Equity productions in the Chicago area (held October 22, at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Illinois) saw American Blues Theater take home five Jeff Awards for their 2018 production of Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story, including the prizes for: Best Production, Musical (Midsize); Best Director, Midsize Theater (Lili-Anne Brown); Best Ensemble, Musical; Best Performer in a Principal Role, Musical (Zachary Stevenson); and Best Music Direction (Michael Mahler).