Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ @ The Firehouse Theatre
Photos by Jason Anderson/Pendleton Photography
—Rickey Wax
Calling all Parrot Heads!
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a sun-soaked, feel-good escape from reality that transforms the stage into a tropical paradise where fun, music, and relaxation reign supreme. Performed at The Firehouse Theatre, the show (featuring the hits of Jimmy Buffett, of course) offers a perfect blend of breezy music, lighthearted humor, and infectious energy that makes it an irresistible evening out—though this is an adults-only resort, so leave the kiddos at home.
From the moment the lights dim, TFT’s production (directed by Benjamin Keegan Arnold with music director Bryce Biffle) transports the audience to the laid-back, carefree world of Margaritaville—a resort nestled on the tropical island of Jamaica. The set design by Maggie Sproul and Logan Uhtenwoldt has vibrant colors and a beachy aesthetic. Palm tree lights adorn the theatre in every corner, which instantly places us on the island.
The show follows the laid-back lifestyle of Tully (Gideon Ethridge), a charismatic singer-songwriter at a rundown resort. As you can imagine, living on an island playground has its perks: brief romances with no strings attached, unlimited beach time, and of course lots of booze. Life can get lonely, though, when nobody sticks around to share it with you.
Rachel (Laila Jalil), a workaholic scientist, arrives at the resort with her newly engaged friend Tammy (Kaleigh Huser) for a bachelorette weekend. Rachel detests Tammy’s fiancé, and rightfully so: he’s put Tammy on a pre-wedding diet of only 8 ounces of carrot juice and 49 sunflower seeds. As multiple unlikely romances unfold, Tully and Rachel are challenged to rethink their priorities and the direction of their lives. Side stories involve a drunk who may or may not have a buried treasure, a busybody island gossip, and a volcano that could erupt any time—never a dull moment in Margaritaville.
The leading players are undeniably the heart of the show. Playing the role of Tully, Ethridge gives a stunning performance that embodies the spirit of Buffett's music. The actor's effortless charm and smooth vocals bring Tully to life with a relaxed yet compelling presence. His rendition of classic Buffett hits such as “License to Chill” and “Five O’clock Somewhere” is both engaging and authentic, drawing the audience into the whimsical world of the musical. Alongside him, Jailil delivers a heartfelt and dynamic performance. Her character Rachel’s journey from skeptical tourist to a lover of island life is portrayed with genuine warmth and sincerity. Her strong and emotive delivery of “Its My Job” beautifully showcases her superb vocal abilities, and the chemistry between the leads is palpable.
The supporting cast's performances are a mixed bag of fun and awkwardness. Huser plays Tammy with a delightful blend of sass and sweetness, serving as the quintessential comic foil in the musical. One of the highlights of her role is her over-the-top enthusiasm for the island’s quirky traditions, which she embraces with gusto, often to hilarious effect. Brick (Austin Bender) complements Tammy’s comedic dynamism with his own brand of humor. His portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable bartender brings a different flavor of comedy to the stage, a perfect balance of self-deprecation and charm.
The comic relief provided by the show’s colorful characters is intermittently effective. Marley (Jayden Russell), the sassy resort owner, occasionally steals the scene with sharp wit and charisma. The costumes by Dayna Rae Dutton (especially those for “Cheeseburger in Paradise”) are festive and whimsical. The ensemble is a lively, dynamic presence throughout, whether dancing up a storm in numbers like “Fins” or providing humorous, background moments that add to the show's charm. Carlos Strudwick’s choreography is a joyful mix of tropical flair and Broadway pizzazz.
From the start, the audience is encouraged to clap and sing along, and even dance in their seats. This interactive element adds to the fun, making the show feel more like a communal celebration than a traditional theater experience. By the time the cast leads the audience in a rousing rendition of “One Particular Harbor,” the entire theater feels like the biggest, best beach party of the season.
The show celebrates the pursuit of happiness, the importance of living in the moment, and the idea that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest pleasures: a cold drink, a warm beach, a good song. Whether you're a die-hard Jimmy Buffett fan or just someone in need of a little escape, this show delivers on all fronts. Grab your flip-flops, put on your sunglasses, and head for Margaritaville—it's the perfect island getaway, right here in the heart of North Texas.
WHEN: AUGUST 8-25, 2024
WHERE: 2535 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch TX
