Escape to Margaritaville

My thoughts on Escape to Margaritaville or…did I misplace my saltshaker?

I’m definitely not the target audience for this musical. I would be hard pressed to name two Jimmy Buffett songs and no aspect of the culture that celebrates the lifestyle that Buffett sang about appeals to me. So, if you told me I would enjoy the heck out of this musical, I would have said, “Not in this lifetime.” Well then why did I have such a good time at Escape to Margaritaville? Keep reading.

Let’s talk about the one major problem that I have with the musical. The book. It’s a Hallmark movie (that is if those movies were heavy PG-13 and loaded with nonstop sexual innuendo and crude humor) wrapped in a jukebox musical. But after about ten minutes, I began to thoroughly enjoy it.

How is that possible you ask? That’s an easy answer. The talent involved in this production is just phenomenal. It is exceedingly well directed and cast, excitingly choreographed, and there’s live music at The Firehouse for the first time in a long while.

Let’s start with the music. Music Director Bryce Biffle and his band who set atop Maggie Sproul and Logan Uhtenwoldt’s beachy set replete with a centrally located volcano, keep those Buffett tunes sounding terrific. There’s just something about a live band that enhances a show and when that band is composed of skilled musicians, the sound is amazing. A toe tapping treat

The choreography. Carlos Strudwick’s spirited moves make the major production numbers here dazzling to watch. The dancers get quite a workout, but they keep smiling. There’s even a big tap dance number with a kick line! The “Cheeseburger in Paradise” dance is especially fun with the dancers dressed as condiments by Costume Designer Dayna Rae Dutton.

The direction. Benjamin Keegan Arnold’s fluid direction keeps Escape to Margaritaville moving at a good clip but gives all the characters time to develop. He is also adept at staging comedy, which is what the evening is all about. However, Arnold’s greatest gift to this musical is his cast.

Gideon Ethridge and Laila Jalil are the central characters of Tully and Rachel. I can’t remember the last time I was so wowed by two young performers. They are beyond excellent as both singers and actors. I mean jaw dropping good. They put the romance in the show. They are the definition of charming and coupled with their outstanding voices, they are quite a formidable duo. I half expected a New York talent scout to run up on stage and whisk them away to be in a production of The Last Five Years. They are that good.

Also marvelous are the more comedic couple of Tammy and Brick played by Kaleigh Huser and Austin Bender. Huser’s Tammy gains our sympathy quickly as she is the fiancé of a verbally abusive man played by Nathan Benson who thinks she is overweight. Huser has a lovely singing voice and a charming presence. As her love interest Brick, Bender is wonderfully goofy. He has a Chalie Brownish, boyish appeal that makes him perfect for comedy.

The supporting players here are also super with Jayden Russell being truly outstanding as Marley, the resort owner. Russell’s Marley is like a Jamaican Bloody Mary. She is fun, feisty, and quick witted. Russell, playing twice her age, is a comic wonder throwing out one liners left and right in a thick Jamaican accent. She steals every scene she’s in.

Alex Rain is J.D. a good natured older heavy drinker who had a one-night fling with Marley years ago. Rain, an excellent actor, gives J.D. humor and heart. He and Russell share a hilarious duet and become the evening’s most unlikely couple.

Jamal, played by Shane Morgan, is Marley’s assistant at the resort. He interacts with the customers making observations and often witty remarks. Morgan gets to really shine kicking off Act II with the “Volcano” song playing directly to the audience.

There’s also a dynamite ensemble here with excellent singer/dancers. The ensemble includes Mario Aguirre IV, Nathan Benson, Kat Dennis, Jordan Gibson, Savannah Lloyd, Geoff Lutz, Shane Morgan, Audrey Reidling, Delaney Wenger, and Dayton Wilson.

There’s a big, bawdy, tuneful beach party going on in Farmers Branch until August 25th. Grab a date, a mate, or go solo to Escape to Margaritaville.