During the lifetime of Alabama-raised Jimmy Buffett, he collaborated with stellar musicians to create a musical.
"Escape to Margaritaville" is set in a semi-fictitious paradise on earth created by Buffett’s songs, books and Parrothead syndrome.
Following a Broadway run, a 500-day COVID hiatus, two national tours and the death of Jimmy Buffett, the musical is headed home (Buffett’s home state) to Alabama. It will play for nine days at Gadsden’s Ritz Theater.
Details and tickets can be found here.
"Escape to Margaritaville" is a musical featuring the songs of Jimmy Buffett, telling a story of love, friendship, and finding your own paradise. It centers around Tully, a part-time bartender and singer at a resort called Margaritaville, who falls for a career-minded tourist named Rachel. The musical includes both classic Buffett hits and original songs, from a book written by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley.
The musical is set on a fictional island in the Caribbean, at a run-down resort called Margaritaville. It explores themes of love, finding happiness, and the importance of human connection, all while embracing the carefree island lifestyle.
In 2021, the musical took a 12-week tour that visited 20 cities, including Phoenix, Kansas City, New Orleans, Hartford, Durham and Buffalo.
Before his death on September 1, 2023, Buffett talked about the musical.
"Our musical is back and ready to take parrotheads and theatre patrons to the island of Margaritaville and escape this crazy world we all find ourselves in these days, for a few hours of fun. And, our talented performers are ready, willing and able to take you on a vacation, without ever leaving your seat," he explained.
Escape to Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and beloved Jimmy Buffett classics, including "Fins," "Volcano," "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and many more.
The Ritz Theatre is located in a working-class section of Gadsden called “Alabama City.” It opened on July 4, 1928, and was first located next door to the current site, and spent its first five years as a nickelodeon.
“Escape to Margaritaville” will be presented July 18-27 at The Ritz Theatre of Gadsden.
The actors and support staff of the Gadsden production musical are local Alabama folks.
“The message is really about learning to balance between work and relaxation,” said Jonas Abernathy, who portrays Sloppy Joe and Goon # 2. “And, beach bums have their strengths.”
Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors, military, and students. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, subject to availability. For group rates or reservations of 10 or more, call 256-547-SHOW (7469).
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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