Music and margaritas

Cindy Barndt listens to Jimmy Buffett songs with her toy parrot on her shoulder as Gary Roland and The Landsharks Band performs live on Southwest Broadway Street during the Ocala Civic Theatre’s Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Block Party in Ocala, Fla. on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The Block Party was held in advance of the muscial of the same name, which will be performed live on stage at the Ocala Civic Theatre from May 2-19, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Ocala Civic Theatre’s season wraps with the musical written by a yacht rock legend.

“This show is an absolute blast!” That’s how Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) guest director Eb Madson described “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville,” the season finale that features campy comedy set to a score of more than 20 of the late singer-songwriter’s greatest hits.

“It’s a romantic comedy. It’s cheesy; it’s fun,” Madson said of the jukebox musical. “This show shouldn’t take itself too seriously at all. It’s the party at the end of the season.”

Madson, who has great memories of listening to Jimmy Buffett with his dad on camping trips, said, “This has been a really cool show to be part of.” He invites theatergoers to “come with your Hawaiian shirts on, ready to have a few drinks and enjoy the party.”

When the show opens, singer Tully, played by Christian Gonzales, and bartender bro Brick, played by Janik Buranosky, are living the good life at the Margaritaville island resort, where work barely interferes with the nonstop party fueled by tequila and a steady stream of pretty tourists. They’re joined by resort manager Marley, played by Alexis Medina, and busboy Jamal, played by Jordan Watson, along with barstool beach bum J.D., played by Patrick Stanley, plus the high-energy ensemble made up of a dozen singers and dancers.

Serious scientist Rachel, played by Adrienne Hebert, and her BFF, Tammy, played by Courtney Curtis, arrive from Cincinnati for one last girls’ getaway before Tammy’s wedding, and, while the sunseekers find the rundown resort to be not quite as luxurious as described online, they hit it off with the help and hilarious hijinks ensue.

Intermission leaves the audience with multiple cliffhangers: Will dubious dieter Tammy ever get her cheeseburger in paradise? Does Tully tell Rachel his feelings are more long-term than lust? Can Crocs-with-socks-wearing J.D. catch the eye of island queen Marley? And will he ever find his lost shaker of salt?

The laid-back rom-com is a lively romp through hit after toe-tapping, trop-rock hit including “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” and “Son of a Son of a Sailor” right up through the closing scene, which feels like a concert with the audience invited to clap and sing along.

The eight-piece orchestra, led by OCT music director Jason Bartosic, lends a Caribbean sound. Encouraged by costume designer Amanda Jones to wear bright colors, beachwear and Hawaiian prints, the musicians are featured prominently on a riser onstage rather than in the orchestra pit.

“It makes us a part of the show, and that’s fun for the musicians,” Bartosic said. “We’re actually in the environment. Everyone loves Jimmy Buffett. Everything of his is recognizable, especially everything in this show. And it’s a whole lot of fun and just one big ol’ party.”

Margaritas will be on the menu at the concession stand, and OCT will continue its Starlight Series on Thursdays for this show. On May 2, 9 and 16, the preshow event will offer patrons a chance to enjoy free live music on the outdoor patio behind the theater, with food and drinks available for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m. Impact Island Café will serve Caribbean cuisine and SeanTMusic Global will play island rhythms.

OCT held its first block party on April 28, with Jimmy Buffett tribute band Gary Roland and The Landsharks playing for a crowd of around 430 people in downtown Ocala, inviting the cast to join them on stage and give the audience a preview of the musical.

“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” is live on stage May 2-19 at Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. For tickets, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.