ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER AT IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE'S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
By Kiersten Bjork (August 30, 2024)
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, currently playing at Ivoryton Playhouse, is the perfect way to hold on to those last days of summer. It’s fun, it’s carefree, it’s “island time” wrapped up in a musical package and served best with a margarita from Ivoryton’s bar. With a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, Escape to Margaritaville is a jukebox musical full of your favorite Buffett tunes. From “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” to “Fins” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” you’ll be singing along from start to finish. The story follows scientist Rachel and her friend Tammy as they head to Margaritaville Hotel and Bar for a week before Tammy’s wedding. In Margaritaville, the two women meet staff members Tully and Brick, with whom sparks begin to fly soon after they meet, Marley, owner of the establishment, J.D., the local drunk with a secret past, and more quirky and fun characters. As their time on the island draws to a close, Rachel and Tammy head back to their lives with a new appreciation for what they have, and perhaps for what they don’t. When their lives on the island unexpectedly cross over into their day-to-day, what ensues is a touching story filled to the brim with music, laughter, and good ole fashioned fun. Escape to Margaritaville features direction and fantastic choreography by Clint Hromsco and music direction by Dan Gibson.
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, currently playing at Ivoryton Playhouse, is the perfect way to hold on to those last days of summer. It’s fun, it’s carefree, it’s “island time” wrapped up in a musical package and served best with a margarita from Ivoryton’s bar. With a book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett, Escape to Margaritaville is a jukebox musical full of your favorite Buffett tunes. From “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” to “Fins” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” you’ll be singing along from start to finish. The story follows scientist Rachel and her friend Tammy as they head to Margaritaville Hotel and Bar for a week before Tammy’s wedding. In Margaritaville, the two women meet staff members Tully and Brick, with whom sparks begin to fly soon after they meet, Marley, owner of the establishment, J.D., the local drunk with a secret past, and more quirky and fun characters. As their time on the island draws to a close, Rachel and Tammy head back to their lives with a new appreciation for what they have, and perhaps for what they don’t. When their lives on the island unexpectedly cross over into their day-to-day, what ensues is a touching story filled to the brim with music, laughter, and good ole fashioned fun. Escape to Margaritaville features direction and fantastic choreography by Clint Hromsco and music direction by Dan Gibson.
Sam Sherwood and the company of Escape to Margaritaville at Ivoryton Playhouse (Ben Hope)
Sam Sherwood plays Tully, the suave entertainer in Margaritaville. He starts off as a real flirt but when Rachel shows up, everything changes. No stranger to the Ivoryton stage, Sherwood is a natural choice for the role of Tully. He’s got the voice and guitar skills, as well as the fun, occasionally goofy energy that makes Tully the loveable charmer that he is. Sherwood draws you in from the first chord and holds the audience captive till the very end. His chemistry with Margaret Dudasik’s Rachel is great, as is the way that he plays off of his Margaritaville family.
Dudasik is fantastic as Rachel. She is strong yet grounded, portraying a woman who simultaneously prioritizes her life and career while seeking validating relationships, whether in her friendship with Tammy, or in potential romantic partners. I like Rachel as a character because she doesn’t just drop everything for the boy that she falls in love with on a whim – she stands firm in her love for what she does and makes sure to put herself first for her own happiness, even if that means putting romantic love on hold for the time being to accomplish her goals first. Dudasik does a nice job bringing out the many facets of Rachel, creating a full and nuanced portrayal of the character.
Rachel’s best friend, Tammy, is played by Maggie Bera. Bera is a hilarious comedic actor, which is a necessity for the role. She brings both an excited and sultry air when required, balancing it all with perfect deliveries of her clever dialogue. Her relationship with Dudasik’s Rachel is well-played, as the two really bring out the friendship of these women.
Beau Bradshaw plays Tully’s partner in crime, Brick. Brick is perhaps one of my favorite characters in the show. He’s sweet, he’s charming, and he cares for those around him with a big heart. Bradshaw is great in the role – he has an excellent voice and comedic timing, and wonderful chemistry with each of his scene partners. I particularly enjoyed the brotherly banter that Bradshaw and Sherwood share.
Marley, owner of the Margaritaville hotel and bar, is played by LaDonna Burns. I was fortunate to see Burns last season in Music Theatre of Connecticut’s production of the musical Ghost, where she played Oda Mae (and for which she won a CT Critics Circle Award this past season). She was amazing as Oda Mae, and it was nice to see her in another role that had some strong comedic moments. Burns brings a certain spunk to Marley that I enjoyed. Her backs and forths with J.D. are quite amusing, and her realization that she’s the town gossip that everyone keeps talking about is a hoot.
Don Noble plays J.D., the more-often-than-not drunk older gentleman who has made a permanent residence of Margaritaville. Noble takes us on a journey with J.D., and as we learn more about the character, we realize that there are additional layers to this man which we may not have realized at the top of the show. Noble brings a joyous comedic presence in many of his scenes, whether “searching for his lost shaker of salt,” or for his buried treasure.
Justin Sudderth is absolutely endearing as Jamal. He brings a youthful glee to his scenes, and it’s enjoyable to watch the playful banter he shares with Burns’ Marley. My favorite recurring bit is the bet that Jamal and Marley have running in regard to Tully’s love life, and Burns and Sudderth really milk those comedic moments in the best way. Sudderth has a great voice, and to top it all off, “Volcano” was stuck in my head for days afterwards.
Rounding out the company are Cory Candelet, Galen Donovan, Olivia Fenton, Lance Jewett, Sarah Warrick, and Stephanie Wasser, all of whom bring a delightful energy to the production. The ensemble portrays an impressive range of characters, featuring many quick costume changes, all the while keeping up their momentum and also handling the scenery. Lily Bucko, Rae Janeil, and Keegan Smith serve as the off-stage understudies for the production.
Dudasik is fantastic as Rachel. She is strong yet grounded, portraying a woman who simultaneously prioritizes her life and career while seeking validating relationships, whether in her friendship with Tammy, or in potential romantic partners. I like Rachel as a character because she doesn’t just drop everything for the boy that she falls in love with on a whim – she stands firm in her love for what she does and makes sure to put herself first for her own happiness, even if that means putting romantic love on hold for the time being to accomplish her goals first. Dudasik does a nice job bringing out the many facets of Rachel, creating a full and nuanced portrayal of the character.
Rachel’s best friend, Tammy, is played by Maggie Bera. Bera is a hilarious comedic actor, which is a necessity for the role. She brings both an excited and sultry air when required, balancing it all with perfect deliveries of her clever dialogue. Her relationship with Dudasik’s Rachel is well-played, as the two really bring out the friendship of these women.
Beau Bradshaw plays Tully’s partner in crime, Brick. Brick is perhaps one of my favorite characters in the show. He’s sweet, he’s charming, and he cares for those around him with a big heart. Bradshaw is great in the role – he has an excellent voice and comedic timing, and wonderful chemistry with each of his scene partners. I particularly enjoyed the brotherly banter that Bradshaw and Sherwood share.
Marley, owner of the Margaritaville hotel and bar, is played by LaDonna Burns. I was fortunate to see Burns last season in Music Theatre of Connecticut’s production of the musical Ghost, where she played Oda Mae (and for which she won a CT Critics Circle Award this past season). She was amazing as Oda Mae, and it was nice to see her in another role that had some strong comedic moments. Burns brings a certain spunk to Marley that I enjoyed. Her backs and forths with J.D. are quite amusing, and her realization that she’s the town gossip that everyone keeps talking about is a hoot.
Don Noble plays J.D., the more-often-than-not drunk older gentleman who has made a permanent residence of Margaritaville. Noble takes us on a journey with J.D., and as we learn more about the character, we realize that there are additional layers to this man which we may not have realized at the top of the show. Noble brings a joyous comedic presence in many of his scenes, whether “searching for his lost shaker of salt,” or for his buried treasure.
Justin Sudderth is absolutely endearing as Jamal. He brings a youthful glee to his scenes, and it’s enjoyable to watch the playful banter he shares with Burns’ Marley. My favorite recurring bit is the bet that Jamal and Marley have running in regard to Tully’s love life, and Burns and Sudderth really milk those comedic moments in the best way. Sudderth has a great voice, and to top it all off, “Volcano” was stuck in my head for days afterwards.
Rounding out the company are Cory Candelet, Galen Donovan, Olivia Fenton, Lance Jewett, Sarah Warrick, and Stephanie Wasser, all of whom bring a delightful energy to the production. The ensemble portrays an impressive range of characters, featuring many quick costume changes, all the while keeping up their momentum and also handling the scenery. Lily Bucko, Rae Janeil, and Keegan Smith serve as the off-stage understudies for the production.
LaDonna Burns, Sam Sherwood, Don Noble, and Beau Bradshaw in Escape to Margaritaville at Ivoryton Playhouse (Ben Hope)
|
Maggie Bera, Beau Bradshaw, and the company of Escape to Margaritaville at
Ivoryton Playhouse (Ben Hope) |
Scenic design by Cully Long is perfect for the show. From colorful surfboards to palm trees and a tiki bar, Long’s set oozes that island time aesthetic in the best way possible. I like the use of the space, and I particularly liked the choice to have certain settings fold out of other set pieces. It’s innovative, and it creates interesting scenic movement.
Lighting designer Marcus Abbott supports the tropical themes of the set with bright lighting and great color choices. I like the effects employed for the volcano eruption and appreciate the lighting choices when framing scenes that only use small sections of the stage.
Costumes by designer K Duffner are right at home in the world of the show. From Hawaiian shirts and swimwear to outfits for lounging in the sun, everything is well matched to the character and world.
Sound design by Dustin Pfaender is solid, except that there was fuzziness to several of the actors’ mics the night that I attended, creating an overall static that was present more often than not.
Lighting designer Marcus Abbott supports the tropical themes of the set with bright lighting and great color choices. I like the effects employed for the volcano eruption and appreciate the lighting choices when framing scenes that only use small sections of the stage.
Costumes by designer K Duffner are right at home in the world of the show. From Hawaiian shirts and swimwear to outfits for lounging in the sun, everything is well matched to the character and world.
Sound design by Dustin Pfaender is solid, except that there was fuzziness to several of the actors’ mics the night that I attended, creating an overall static that was present more often than not.
Sam Sherwood and Margaret Dudasik in Escape to Margaritaville at Ivoryton Playhouse (Ben Hope)
Soak up the last rays of the season with Escape to Margaritaville – you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re a longtime Parrothead or just looking for a fun musical that will entertain you, it’s worth grabbing a ticket. Experience the production for yourself – see Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville at Ivoryton Playhouse before it closes on September 15.
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville runs August 8-September 15, 2024, at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville runs August 8-September 15, 2024, at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.