‘ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE’: Paul Alexander Nolan & cast. Photo: Matthew Murphy

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ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
Book by Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley
Music & lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Choreography by Kelly Devine
Directed by Christopher Ashley
Marquis Theatre
246 West 44th Street
(877-250-2929), http://escapetomargaritavillemusical.com/

 

By Scott Harrah

Jukebox musicals usually contain a paper-thin plot because they are simply an excuse to showcase and cash in on a pop star or group’s songbook. Granted, Jimmy Buffett doesn’t have a huge body of work as grand as that of ABBA or the Four Seasons, but he does have a dedicated following and more hit songs than one might think. That must be why Escape to Margaritaville, featuring Mr. Buffett’s songs, has been produced, and with some real pedigree behind it, namely director Christopher Ashley (best known for last year’s brilliant Come From Away). However, as colorful, festive and good-intentioned as this show is, it’s likely something only Parrotheads (as Buffett’s fans are known) will appreciate.

Think Mr. Buffett is only famous for his classic “Margaritaville”? Think again. His other hits include “Come Monday,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” (also the name of a chain of restaurants Mr. Buffett owns), “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” and more. From the late 1970s onward, the songs were staples on pop and country music radio.

Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley’s book is a pedestrian, by-the-numbers story that offers an excuse to weave Mr. Buffett’s songs into a narrative. The story revolves around singer/songwriter Tully (Paul Alexander Nolan), a man living on a Caribbean island and working as the on-site entertainer at a resort called—what else?—Margaritaville, run by sassy owner Marley (Rema Webb). Others at the resort include Tully’s buddy Brick (Eric Petersen), a chubby bartender who is scatterbrained but has a heart of gold.

Up in chilly Cincinnati, Rachel (Alison Luff), a no-nonsense environmental scientist, is preparing to head down to Margaritaville with her best friend Tammy (Lisa Howard), a bubbly overweight woman engaged to a guy who is both an overbearing slob and hypercritical of her. They are both ready to have a fun bachelorette week in the sun, and of course what happens next is totally predictable. Tammy meets Brick and Rachel meets Tully, and the sparks and clichés fly.

Mr. Garcia and Mr. O’Malley’s book is full of bad TV sitcom humor and jokes that are “groaners” indeed, and for good reason. Mr. Garcia is best known for creating the TV comedies “My Name is Earl,” “Yes, Dear” and “Raising Hope.”

Christopher Ashley certainly tries to direct this mess of musical, with the help of colorful costumes by Paul Tazewell, and energetic yet pointless choreography by Kelly Devine. Most of the actors’ performances are sincere and serviceable, but a few stand out. Rema Webb, for instance, is a total delight as the brassy, bossy Margaritaville owner Marley and often steals the show. Lisa Howard and Eric Petersen are lovable in all the right places. However, as the leading man, Tully, Paul Alexander Nolan has a pleasant voice but very little stage presence and zero chemistry with Ms. Luff as Rachel.

One of the show’s only saving graces is the razzle-dazzle finale. Not because it’s anything remarkable, but cast members toss out Margaritaville beach balls to the audience in case anyone wants a souvenir. Escape to Margaritaville could possibly do decent business on the road as a touring show since Mr. Buffet’s fan base is huge in the Midwest and South, but the musical’s time here on Broadway will likely be “wasting away” rather quickly.

 

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published March 23, 2018
Reviewed at March 22, 2018 press performance.

 

“ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE’: Alison Luff & Paul Alexander Nolan. Photo: Matthew Murphy

‘ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE’: (left to right) Lisa Howard, Alison Luff, Paul Alexander Nolan & Eric Petersen. Photo: Matthew Murphy

‘ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE’: Andre Ward. Photo: Matthew Murphy

‘ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE’: Lisa Howard. Photo: Matthew Murphy