The jukebox musical, Escape to Margaritaville, is a laid back, a little too carefree, celebration of the songs and Island escapism lifestyle of Jimmy Buffet. For diehard Parrotheads, the show echoes the easygoing ethos of the musician. However, for non-fans or audience members unfamiliar with Buffet’s works, outside his innocuous Top 10 hit, “Margaritaville,” the musical comes across as silly, with an overly contrived, frivolous book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley.
Sam Sherwood and the cast of Escape to Margaritaville.
In Escape to Margaritaville, there’s a twist on the standard boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl. In the show, it’s girls (Rachel, a brainiac scientist and Tammy, her soon-to-be married best friend) jet setting to an island paradise for a last getaway where they meet boys (Tully, a charismatic beach bum and Brick, his schlumpy pal). The beautiful, workaholic woman and Casanova hook up as do Tammy and Brick. The time at the beach is magical for both couples until it’s time to return to everyday life - Rachel, to see if she can raise money for her energizing potato idea and Tammy to her cretin fiancée. Did I mention a spewing volcano? I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say everything works out romantically in the end for our endearing twosomes.
Besides the problematic book, most tunes in Escape to Margaritaville have never been radio mainstays. Only a few have cracked the Top 40 - "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Come Monday," and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes." While many in the audience sang along to a number of songs, a jukebox musical without an abundance of well-known, recognizable compositions by an artist is markedly handicapped. The songs are given a high-gloss finish by the on-stage band under the guidance of Musical Director Dan Gibson.
Margaret Dudasik and Sam Sherwood in Escape to Margaritaville.
The four main characters are rather endearing, especially Maggie Bera’s Tammy and Beau Bradshaw’s Brick. They are so adorably goofy and inject a humorous zing in their scenes. Sam Sherwood, imbues Tully with a charming personality and unhurried devil-may-care attitude towards life. He is an accomplished musician, strumming his ever-present guitar throughout the show. Margaret Dudasik is solid as the aloof researcher, Rachel, that finds love. LaDonna Burns, who has enlivened many productions in the state this year – Ghost at Music Theatre of CT last April, Rock of Ages at Sharon Playhouse this past June, Mary Poppins at STONC in July, and now Escape to Margarvitaville – has her talents underutilized as a bar owner trying to run her business while throwing out wisecracks and bon mots. Don Noble’s J.D., an aged island bohemian, is convincing as an eccentric, idiosyncratic nonconformist.
Director and Choreographer Clint Hromsco brings a lighthearted, breezy guidance to the show, which could use a bit more polish. He tries to invigorate the show with kooky characters and choreographic flourishes to gussie up the multitude of songs within the production. Most of the dance numbers, though, are missing a high spirited vivacity. Two routines do stand out – a Michael Jackson “Thriller” inspired revelry with Brick and a fun-filled romp to “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Members of the cast of Escape to Margaritaville.
Scenic Designer Cully Long’s sets provide a tropical vibe. Marcus Abbott’s Lighting Design augments a few menacing moments during the jungle scenes and, with the assistance of Sound Designer Dustin Pfaender, adds to the peril of the impending volcanic eruption.
Escape to Margaritaville, now playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through September 15. Click here for dates, times and ticket information.
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