.jpg)
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
Book by Greg Garcia & Mike O’Malley
Music & Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Directed by Benjamin Keegan Arnold
Music Direction by Bryce Biffle
Produced by The Firehouse Theatre, Farmers Branch
Audience Rating: P G
Running Time: 2 hours plus 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: none
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: none
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
If your life is stressful, and your job’s a pressure cooker just let it go and Escape to Margaritaville now
through August 25 th at The Firehouse Theatre. This jukebox musical weaves the songs of Jimmy Buffett through the story of a part-time bartender and singer who falls for a career-minded tourist. The clever book finds fun ways to fit in all the familiar and favorite songs of Buffett plus a couple of lesser known ones.
through August 25 th at The Firehouse Theatre. This jukebox musical weaves the songs of Jimmy Buffett through the story of a part-time bartender and singer who falls for a career-minded tourist. The clever book finds fun ways to fit in all the familiar and favorite songs of Buffett plus a couple of lesser known ones.
Gideon Ethridge is charming as Tully, happy to woo the ladies who come and go regularly to the island
retreat. Laila Jalil is Rachel, the ambitious workaholic who combines work with a bachelorette trip for
her best friend Tammy, played by Kaliegh Huser. Marley (*Jayden Russell) runs the retreat and tries to
keep a wayward staff on task including Brick (Austin Bender) and Jamal (Shane Morgan) as well as
supervising JD (Alex Rain), a permanent resident of one of the retreat’s bar stools.
The talented ensemble covers a range of supporting characters, including weather forecasters, Tammy’s insensitive fiancée, apparitions in Brick’s flashbacks, and assorted tourists as they come and go. 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. “License to Chill” performed by Etheridge and the Ensemble warms the audience up and prepares them for the delightfully choreographed “Fins.” The most reluctant toes are tapping for “Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Jalil’s earnest “It’s My Job” introduces us to her character. Rain and Russell delight with “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw.” Etheridge and Jalil share a lovely duet in “Three Chords” as Tully teaches Rachel to play guitar, and again in “Son of a Son of a Sailor.” Bender and Huser shine in the funny “We Are The People Our Parents Warned Us About.” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “A Pirate Looks at 40” are also featured.
The clever set designed and built by Maggie Sproul and Logan Uhtenwoldt put the band onstage with
the cast and made them feel like additional characters. Conductor Bryce Biffle also played Keyboard and Accordion. Guitarists included Jesse Ramirez and Hector Deleon with Daniel Davidson on Bass. Other band members are Randy Lindberg (Drums) and Kevin Cho (Percussion).
the cast and made them feel like additional characters. Conductor Bryce Biffle also played Keyboard and Accordion. Guitarists included Jesse Ramirez and Hector Deleon with Daniel Davidson on Bass. Other band members are Randy Lindberg (Drums) and Kevin Cho (Percussion).
This performance is an exuberant evening of fun, with a giant side order of chill – especially if you decide to stop by the concession stand for a Jimmy’s Rita from nearby restaurant RED STX. Tickets are available at www.THEFIREHOUSETHEATRE.COM now through August 25 th . Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm.
Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch
Comments
Post a Comment