It’s Always Five O’Clock Somewhere

Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville

Say there Parrotheads, do you feel like a drink? Well, go right ahead and have one! You don’t have consult your iPhone or wristwatch for the time because, as Jimmy Buffett wrote, “It’’s Always Five O’Clock Somewhere.” You can celebrate Happy Hour in any time zone you like! And that seems to be part of the message of the musical, JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Life’s just too darn short not to live it up a little and celebrate, whenever the mood strikes.

The late, great Jimmy Buffett became a legend. He was much more than simply a composer and singer of island songs. He’s a legend of pop culture. Buffett’s become the symbol of a completely relaxed, totally carefree way of life. His followers and fans are referred to as “Parrotheads”, and they’re actually the characters of this adult, booze-infused, sandal-clad and Hawaiian shirt-wearing musical. Patterned after other successful jukebox musicals, especially like MAMMA MIA!, this show’s created a loose plot, inspired by over two dozen of Buffett’s catchy, toe-tapping tunes, into an adult story. The musical features a book cowritten by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, known for their work writing comic television shows like “Yes, Dear” and “My Name is Earl.” That’s probably why this musical feels so lightweight and formulaic: it’s reminiscent of a two-hour sitcom. And despite the many pleasant and familiar songs, Buffett’s catalog of tunes don’t really fit the dramaturgical demands of the story. They feel forced. 

The production, however, really delightful. It’s staged, guided and kept in nearly constant motion by one of Chicago’s finest, most respected and sought-after 

director/choreographers. She’s Jeff Award-winner, Brenda Didier, whose fine work has been enjoyed at nearly every Chicago theatre. Along with co-choreographer, Clayton Cross, creates so much energy and poetry in motion on the North Shore Center stage that there’s never a dull moment. Working in tandem with gifted musical director Linda Madonia, together they navigate this sweet and breezy love story between three different couples. 

The story focuses mainly on Tully, a guitar-strumming entertainer and lothario, employed at Margaritaville, a tacky beachside hotel on an unnamed tropical island. His best buddies are Brick, the air-headed and good-natured bartender, as well J.D., a lovable burned-out, bad-tempered veteran, who spends the show trying to find his grounded airplane and his lost shaker of salt. The resort is managed by a lusty and gutsy woman named Marley, who runs her holiday retreat with an iron hand. 

As one troupe of tourists depart the island, a new batch of snowbirds arrive at the tropical resort for the warmth and relaxation of the island. The new group includes Rachel, an attractive environmental scientist who just can’t leave her work behind. She’s brought along Tammy, her best gal pal, to indulge in one final fling before her marriage to Chadd, a despicable, misogynistic jerk back in Cincinnati. And there you have the entire unpretentious story, so just sit back and enjoy the puns and silly, low-brow humor and the carefree Jimmy Buffett songbook.

This cast is led by two topnotch young performers, each with some very impressive Chicago and regional credits. Brian Acker (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT; DAMN YANKEES, Music Theater Works) is the ideal Tully, an easygoing beach bum who epitomizes the Jimmy Buffett look and attitude. Easy on the eyes and a very talented guitarist and singer, the actor makes a likable, scruffy playboy. He finally finds true love with Rachel, the environmental biologist, who’s portrayed impeccably by beautiful, exuberantly talented actress and singer, Kate McQuillan (DIANA, THE MUSICAL; THE SECRET GARDEN, Theo Ubique. Together these two gifted actors provide the romantic chemistry that carries this show between each scene and from song to song.

The secondary leads, who also sport an array of credits, are first-rate talents. They’re portrayed here with charm and humor by a couple of actors who are wholeheartedly likable. Tammy is brought to life by the radiant and wonderful Khaki Pixley (International tour of THE MAN IN BLACK; 9 TO 5, Firebrand Theatre; MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Porchlight). This actress has a big smile and such an outgoing personality that it’s impossible not grin every time she appears on stage. New to Chicago, Chase Grabowski is a talented character actor making his Music Theater Works debut (THE LITTLE MERMAID, Uptown Music Theatre). He’s a teddybear of a guy, who brings boyish appeal and unabashed humor to the role of Brick. Both talented actors seem to be a perfect fit and display strong chemistry. Offering powerhouse voices and strong characterizations, we enjoy watching their relationship ignite and explode. We cheer for both of these folks, especially when Brick unexpectedly shows up at Tammy’s wedding rehearsal dinner. These two provide a nice counter to the relationship between Tully and Rachel.

Veteran stage actor Brian James (SCARAMOUCHE, City Lit; LES MISERABLES, Upton Music Theatre) plays J.D. as a sweetly appealing curmudgeon. He evokes lots of laughter with his carefree, off-the-cuff commentary and relentless search for a hidden treasure and his old airplane. J.D. spends time in a persistent romantic pursuit of Marley. She’s portrayed with strength, dignified humor and snippy sarcasm by the fabulous Tamara Batiest (THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR; MEN OF SOUL, Black Ensemble Theater). Their relationship provides one more warm, humorous plot line that’s funny, but we know that these two kids will ultimately get together in the end. When that finally happens, we cheer for them.

This Autumn musical is simply a plain good time. Its party vibe begins in the theatre lobby and continues throughout its two hours of music and mirth. The biggest problem is that the stakes are never raised for any of the characters. Like a Jimmy Buffett song, everything feels casual and easygoing, with a no-worries philosophy lingering over everything. A silly side plot about Brick’s drug flashback of zombie insurance salesmen haunting the island could easily be removed without hurting the story, although it showcases the tap dancing talents of the talented ensemble. 

Some of Buffett’s music is well-incorporated; others, not so much. His most famous song, “Margaritaville,” nicely closes the first act, and is performed as an almost melancholy meditation. That’s a shrewd move, which evokes some thought and wistful regret. The use of the song “Volcano” as a plot device is a clever stroke of genius, and nicely opens Act II.

The show features a pleasant-sounding, eight member onstage Caribbean band, led by the gifted Linda Madonia. And Tully accompanies himself on guitar with some of the other actors playing instruments, as well. Bob Knuth continues to demonstrate that he’s one of Chicagoland’s most talented scenic designers. His setting is appropriately evocative of the islands and cleverly shifts to each new locale with ease. Denise Karczewski’s lighting nicely bathes the stage with sunshine and moonlight, as needed; and kClare McKellaston’s costumes, accented by Melanie Saso’s abundance of wigs, appropriate hair styling and makeup design, effectively create the look required of a tropical resort.

Whatever else, this show is simply like a television sitcom. It’s pure escapist entertainment and nothing more. There’s not much to think about in this play. However, it’s the talented, enthusiastic cast, musicians and behind-the-scenes artisitic support that highly recommends this production. Audiences, especially those of a certain age, can leave their troubles outside the door, grab a tropical drink in the lobby and flash back to a simpler, more carefree time. 

JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is another formulaic jukebox musical, very much in the style of ABBA’s “Mamma Mia!” Most of the composer and singer’s songbook is on display in this show. The musical will, however, appeal to the many Jimmy Buffett fans around Chicagoland and may even ignite new interest in his music among younger theatergoers. But whatever else it is, Music Theater Works’ musical reminds us that “It’s Always Five O’Clock Somewhere.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 8-November 1 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos by Brett Beiner