Let the verdict stand: when it comes to good old-fashioned fun, there are few better theatrical options than Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, now playing until this February 21st at Titusville Playhouse (TPL). Before I even weigh in, it’s worth noting that this vibrant jukebox musical has already proven itself a crowd-pleaser for the theatre’s audiences.
After a well-received 2023 run in TPL’s mainstage space, Escape to Margaritaville has now arrived at the venue’s outdoor stage for a four-week return engagement, featuring much of the original cast and some of the scenic elements from this prior production.
Fittingly enough, this is also my second time seeing the show, though my first experience with it was through an entirely different production that played at Miami’s Actors’ Playhouse. Even so, knowing exactly what to expect from the material this time around definitely added to my enjoyment of it. Instead of expecting anything substantial from the show’s storytelling, I took its opening number as a suggestion to embrace my own “license to chill” and prepared to enjoy the heck out of the incredible score that is clearly the show’s main selling point.
Anyone who sets out to this Margaritaville with a similar intent definitely won’t be disappointed.
As you probably guessed from the show’s title, that score consists entirely of songs written and popularized by iconic musician Jimmy Buffet, over 20 of which are featured in the two-and-half-ish hour show. At the performance I attended, it was also clear that the show has a special appeal for nostalgic older audience members, who may have been fans of Buffet in his hey-day.
But even my fellow millennials will likely recognize at least a few of his biggest hits, most of which are here reimagined from subdued solos into ensemble extravaganzas that feature singing and dancing from the entire cast.
The laid-back vibe of Buffet’s music is also perfectly reflected in the atmosphere of the island resort where most of the show takes place. There, we’re introduced to the colorful bunch of characters that keep the run-down vacation spot afloat, including no-nonsense owner Marley, Brick, a sincerely sweet bartender who’s definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed, and resident lounge singer Tully, who seems to spend most of off-stage time pursuing short-lived flings with attractive female tourists.
But it turns out that Tully may have finally met his match in Rachel, a workaholic environmental scientist who turns up at the resort with her best friend Tammy to celebrate the latter’s bachelorette weekend. Headstrong and confident, Rachel refuses to fall for any of Tully’s usual tricks—so by the time he finally succeeds in earning her trust, he’s the one who’s finally fallen head over heels.
Meanwhile, sparks are also beginning to fly between Brick and Tammy, who quickly emerges as one of the most likable characters in the mix thanks to actress Angela Tims’s unbridled enthusiasm and earthy portrayal.
It’s far easier to see why Brick is besotted with the gorgeous Tammy than to understand what she sees in her fiancé Chadd, a deadbeat chauvinist who’s bullied her into a starvation diet. As satisfying as it is to see her embrace the affections of a man who adores her just as she is, it’s almost more so to watch her reclaim her right to enjoy a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” in the song of the same name.
On a similar note, I also appreciated the fact that Rachel was able to earn her own happy ending without compromising her strong ideals or dedication to her career. These nods to body positivity and female empowerment don’t quite cancel out the silliness of the show’s flimsier supporting subplots, some of which were clearly constructed for the express purpose of shoehorning in as many Jimmy Buffet songs as possible.
However, they do ensure that Escape from Margaritaville is relatively free of any problematic hangovers that could detract from uncomplicated enjoyment of this syrupy excursion. Joining the aforementioned Tims as Tammy, Dennis Pisarz (Brick), Holly Fuller (Rachel), and Ben Cornelius (Tully) form a formidable leading foursome, each given plenty of opportunity to show off their incredible voices along with their acting chops.
Some supporting players also seize their opportunity to make a major impression, including
Charlie Jourdan as J.D., an older regular with a colorful past, Marquis Stubbs as Jamal, who radiates joy as he leads the cast in “Volcano,” and Jamalia Scott as Marley, whose strong accent lends an authentic feel to her grounded portrayal of Marley. Last but not least, ensemble member James “Jimbo” Bordenkircher makes the most of a few moments in the spotlight as Chadd to mine the character’s sleazy nature for its full comedic worth.
The scenic design of Cliff Price and Edward Norton and the costume and wig design of Jordan Linkous also helps bring to life the show’s distinct setting right off the bat. The multi-talented Linkous also served as choreographer (aided by Assistant Choreographer Rachel Erikson), a role in which she maximizes the potential of the relatively small stage in creating captivating dance sequences throughout.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the Margaritaville vibe, you’ll have the option of enhancing your experience with an adult beverage of choice before the show or during a 15-minute intermission. But you definitely won’t need to imbibe if you plan on having a stellar time on this absorbing theatrical mini-vacation. To go ahead and secure your seat, you’re free to click here and select your ticket!
Cast & Crew
- Book: Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley
- Music & Lyrics: Jimmy Buffett
- Executive & Artistic Director: Steven J. Heron
- Associate Artistic Director: Niko Stamos
- Director: Steven J. Heron
- Choreographer: Jordyn Linkous
- Associate Choreographer: Rachel Erickson
- Music Director: Spencer Crosswell
- Stage Manager: Emma Howard
- Costume & Wig Design:Jordyn Linkous
- Scenic Design: Cliff Price & Eric Norton
- Lighting Design: Krystal Adams
- Sound Design: Spencer Crosswell
- Technical Director: Eric Norton
- Carpenter/Welder: Domanick Rose
- Master Electrician: Krystal Adams
- Sound Engineer: Erica deJongh
- Costume Assistant:Helouise Duna
- Benjamin Cornelius – Tully
- Dennis Pisarz – Brick
- Holly Fuller – Rachel
- Angela Tims – Tammy
- Marquis Stubbs – Jamal
- Jamalia Scott – Marley
- Charlie Jourdan – J.D.
- Rachel Erickson – Tina/Ensemble
- Maren Ping – Ginger/Ensemble
- Ciera Livermore – Alix/Ensemble
- Tianna Stevens – Wanda/Ensemble
- James “Jimbo” Bordenkircher – Chadd/Ensemble
- Giovanni Sanchez – Jesus/Ensemble
- Steven Smith – Mr. Utley/Ensemble
- Cole Abrahams – Goon/Tony/Ensemble
- Friday, Feb 7 2025 7:30PM
- Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 7:30PM
- Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 3:00PM
- Friday, Feb 14, 2025 7:30PM
- Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 7:30PM
- Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 3:00PM
- Friday, Feb 21, 2025 7:30PM
Cast:
Remaining Performances:
Ticket Prices:
$36 to $59, varying based on availability
Photo credit: Titusville Playhouse