Sometimes you just need a getaway—one where you can sink your toes into the sand, sip a frothy drink, and splash around in the ocean for as long as you want to. Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville has the same effect from the moment audience members walk into the Delray Beach Playhouse, complete with colorful leis and themed drinks (including, of course, margaritas). So if you’re in search of that perfect vacation, look no further!
The show, a jukebox musical based on Buffett’s hit songs, follows Tully Mars (Theodore Martello) who works as a singer for the bar at the Margaritaville, a rundown resort on a small island in the Caribbean, along with bartender Brick (Brandon Kraut), busboy Jamal (Chase Stante), resort owner Marley (Norita Bandel), and beach bum J.D. (Jeff Morgan). Tully’s carefree nature also applies to his love life—he’s happy to have flings with tourists passing through, hoping that the women won’t want to “keep in touch.” At least, until ambitious scientist Rachel (Deborah Katz) shows up with her best friend Tammy (Spensyr Bach) for a relaxing vacation at the Margaritaville before Tammy marries the questionable Chadd (Bob Ruggles).
Rachel isn’t too thrilled about stepping away from work for the week, especially when an exciting research opportunity could be just around the corner…but when she and Tully develop feelings for each other, everything starts to change. Is their relationship meant to stay confined to the Margaritaville, or is theirs a love story that will last forever?
This show was a total blast from start to finish! Under the fabulous direction of South Florida Theater Magazine’s own Jessie Dez and production of Kevin Barrett, with a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, and music and lyrics by the iconic Jimmy Buffett, Escape to Margaritaville will have you ready to bat around a beach ball and build sandcastles in no time. Martello and Katz both do a wonderful job of conveying the opposites-attract dynamic between Tully and Rachel, and how their characters truly bring out the best in each other. Tully helps Rachel relax and enjoy herself more outside of work, and Rachel inspires Tully to follow his dreams and work hard for what he wants.
The side characters and their adventures are just as fun to watch, from Tammy (Bach) and Brick (Kraut)’s flirtations and realizations that “they have become the people their parents warned them about,” to Marley (Bandel)’s secret-spilling antics as the resident gossip, to J.D. (Morgan)’s determination to find his buried treasure on the island, and so many more. The ensemble also adds to the atmosphere of being at a resort, as they often play tourists enjoying their fun in the sun (with some great singing and dancing, too).
Another strong aspect of Escape to Margaritaville was how immersive the show felt overall! Costume Designer Penny Williams makes sure each character is dressed for a vacation, outfitting them in colorful wear (board shorts, bathing suits, and everything in between) with tropical patterns; Scenic Designer Claudia Smith has theatergoers falling for the Margaritaville’s liveliness and charm in no time. Music Director Aidan Quintana and Choreographer Keren Lydia also bring Jimmy Buffett’s beloved songs to life (including tracks like “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Margaritaville”), with catchy arrangements, high-energy routines, and the help of a fantastic live band. I even spotted audience members dancing in their seats throughout (let’s face it, it’s pretty difficult not to)!
