The weather may have started cooling down this week but if you are already dreading winter, Margaritaville is open! It is hard to not have a blast with some classic Jimmy Buffett tunes, stunning Broadway choreography, and a heart-warming plot. The tour of the Broadway hit ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ featuring a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley has made its way to the National Theatre.
Jimmy Buffett is an iconic American musician whose sound is synonymous with island living, drinking, dancing, and enjoying the beautiful things in life. It is hard not to sing along to most of his music. Taking some of his greatest hits plus some new pieces and stringing them along with such a touching story gave new life to his work.
The story follows Tully (Chris Clark) a musician at Margaritaville who meets Rachel (Sarah Hinrichsen) a work-oriented environmental scientist. The travels to Margaritaville to her soon-to-be-bride best friend Tammy (Shelly Lynn Walsh) who is about to marry the aptly named Chadd (Noah Bridgestock) but meets the kind silly bartender at Margaritaville, Brick (Peter Michael Jordan). Along the way we also meet the owner of Margaritaville, Marley (Rachel Lyn Fobbs), an old man named J.D. (Matthew James Sherrod), and many guests and employees on the island.
This cast is truly spectacular. Their voices each shine and their acting was grounded and connected while still extremely comedic. Amy Anders Corcoran’s clever directing came through in clear and charming storytelling. Kelly Devine’s choreography is everything one would expect from a Broadway tour and gave exceptional movement to Buffett’s music.
Paul Tazewell’s costumes are exceptionally colorful and vibrant. They set the mood in front of Walter Spangler’s smart and detailed scenic design. Lighting designers Howell Binkley and Amanda Zieve create the world with realism and a hint of whimsy.
In all this production is a ton of fun. It is truly difficult to be in the audience and not have a great time. Grab a margarita. Imagine you’re on the beach and grab a seat at the National.
Running Time: 2 hours with one intermission
“Escape to Margaritaville” plays October 13, 2019. For tickets and more information click here.
