Escape to Margaritaville opens the door to the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle

While you might not be wasting away, Escape to Margaritaville is the Jimmy Buffett jukebox musical where audiences want to sing their way to island time.

Sometimes throwing work away and entering vacation mode is the permission to chill that everyone needs. During Escape to Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffett inspired jukebox musical, the audience is encouraged to embrace that laid back, no cares beach-influenced vibe.

Jimmy Buffett music doesn’t adhere to a single label. While fans might be easily spotted in their floral shirts, shorts and flip flops, the iconic island-lifestyle sound can only be described as Buffett’s own. There is a hint of rock, folk and even a just chill to his entire songbook.

Buffett’s music has seemed to transcend demographics. Some of his most famous songs are still as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. His music seems to capture that desire to celebrate who you really can be, without any limitations or even labels. It can be part of the reason why his fans are so loyal.

While a Buffett concert might have a totally unique parrothead experience, the Escape to Margaritaville musical can be described more as an introduction to that island-chill mentality. The audience is given a glimpse, kind of like going on a short vacation, and they must decide if they want more.

Currently on a National Tour, Escape to Margaritaville is playing the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando. Sitting in the middle of one of the nation’s top vacation destinations, many locals understand that concept of living the vacation mode all year round. When family complains of blizzards and sub-zero temperatures, Floridians post photos from the beach and complain about the heat. Given that understanding, this musical has a rapport with the local audience.

Still, looking around the opening night’s audience, there was a juxtaposition. Old school musical fans sat side by side with parrotheads. Where one person was looking for big sweeping productions, the other one was waiting to break out into song.

That dichotomy is why jukebox musicals are important to the theater community. Since Buffett’s music has such a strong fan base, non-traditional theater goers are willing to spend a couple of hours to listening to their favorite songs, in a new way. Still, this musical isn’t a sing-along or a song book retrospective.

Escape to Margaritaville takes part of the Buffett songbook, along with some new songs, and incorporates them into a relatable story. Vacation romance that blooms into something more might sound similar to your favorite Hallmark movie. That classic story serves as a reference to a big part of the Buffett lifestyle, sometimes you just need to chill.

Where the Broadway fans want the huge sweeping production and belting diva moment, this musical is subtle. Just like that vacation vibe, the audience’s response is more chill, laid back. Even when the audience is encouraged to sing along with “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” everyone is a little uncertain to jump up and shout or just be chill.

There are moments in Escape to Margaritaville that make the audience laugh, applaud and even cheer. With so many relatable moments, like getting a drunken tattoo you regret, laughing at silly puns and even finding that simple moment of happiness, the audience can’t help but enjoy the evening at the theater.

Like many jukebox musicals, this musical isn’t meant to change the world. It is meant as a couple hours of escapism. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and the audience shouldn’t either.

Two highlights from the touring cast are definitely Patrick Cogan as J.D. Having had a life well-lived, the J.D. character often says and acts in a way that everyone wishes. While might be looking for his long lost shaker of salt, he brings the right balance of humor and endearment to the role.

In additional Peter Michael Jordan, plays the lovable, sometimes goofy, Brick wonderfully. He is endearing and relatable. Plus, if you don’t smile during his dance number, you need to have another margarita.

Overall, the biggest takeaway from Escape to Margaritaville the musical is an appreciation for embracing life. Whether it is not settling for any “man” or letting work overtake yourself, that “chill” is part of the appeal of Buffett and his music. It isn’t meant to be a huge social commentary or change the world. Instead, those songs are the excuse to take a few minutes, sip on a margarita and just be in the moment.

While almost everyone can probably tap the beat to “Margaritaville” or knows the phrase “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” that common collective is what makes Jimmy Buffett music an integral part of American music, and in this case, now part of American theater. Again, this musical may not be life changing but it is a fun diversion. Isn’t that the vibe behind that island-chill Buffett lifestyle?

Escape to Margaritaville is on a national tour and is currently stopped at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida.

If you are ready to set your mind on island time, take a cue from the parrot who is perched overlooking the stage. Escape to Margaritaville is a perfect excuse to embrace that moment to chill.