Theater Review: 'Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville' at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle Member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” is a musical that takes audiences on a vacation to a tropical island with the music of Jimmy Buffett. The musical is being presented by the Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain through Sept. 21.

“Welcome, parrotheads and friends, to our little slice of paradise.” The music and lyrics by Buffett are tied together with a book written by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley. The world premiere of the show was produced by La Jolla Playhouse in California. The plot of the juke-box musical revolves around Tully, part-time bartender and singer at the run-down hotel called Margaritaville, who becomes enamored of Rachel, a career-minded tourist. The show's music consists of songs previously recorded by Buffett, and written by him and various other songwriters, with one exception, the original song "Three Chords".

CTC Director Duane Campbell writes that “this show is more than just a musical; it's a celebration of friendship, finding joy in the simple things, and the unexpected journeys that lead us to our own personal Margaritaville.” Campbell invites audiences to sit back, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and let the music wash over you. He invites patrons to sing along (as I did,) laugh, forget their worries and leave the theater feeling refreshed, happy and “a newfound desire to find that lost shaker of salt.”

Joe Berthiaume brings tons of charm to the role of Tully. He returns to the CTC stage, where he most recently appeared as Basillius in “Head Over Heels.”

Paige Machnicz (Linda in “The Wedding SInger” at CTC) shines in the role of the work-obsessed Rachel and has real chemistry with her real life boyfriend as her love interest.

Zenn Langley is wonderful in the role of the bartender Brick who flirts with the bride-to-be Tammy, who is played by the always delightful Brooke Owens. The 29-year-old Owens returns to the CTC stage after raising her voice in “Sister Act” at Seven Angels Theatre. In her bio, the lovely actress notes that she is a huge advocate for body positivity “and is thrilled to be playing a character who is so confident in who she is.”

Stephen Maher, appearing in his 11th show at CTC, is very funny in the role of the aging pilot JD who drinks too much to fly. Maher will appear in the upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in West Hartford.

Iesha M. Rose returns to this stage for the 12th time to play Marley. She has an island accent and strong presence as the resort owner.

Enzo Jackson (“The Wedding Singer”) often brings a smile with his performance as the busboy Jamal.

The strong dancers and singers in the ensemble include actor/activist James ‘Jay’ Calabresi, CTC Vice President Campbell, Max Dittmar (in his fifth CTC show,) Erin Frechette, life-long Jimmy Buffett fan Ginamarie Garabedian, Christine McGuinness (“The Wedding Singer,”) Mark Moyle, Nicolette Pavain (in her community theater debut) and Dance Captain Kaylin Terry.

Angela Jackson, a local singer/performer, music director and director, worked with the singers as music director, facilitating the beautiful harmonies on many of the numbers. Ensemble member Frechette was the choreography of the well-rehearsed dance numbers, with fine tap dancing for “Grapefruit-Julcy Fruit,” and Kait Adams serves as stage manager. The director had a lot to do on this production, working as a prop master, set designer, lighting designer and costume designer. The characters looked colorful and beachy, while everything allowed the dancers to move easily.

This is a light and sunny musical that probably appeals to Buffett fans more than those that recognize only two of the songs. The CTC cast members show off their strong singing voices in all of their songs, making the score easy on the ears.

Performances continue at the Repertory Theatre on Norden St. in New Britain through Sept. 21. Tickets at ConnecticutTheatreCompany.org. Following “Escape to Margaritaville,” the season will close with “Miracle on 34th Street,” running Dec. 9 - 14. Auditions for the holiday show will be held on Monday.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle (ctcritics.org.) She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and/or the Patch site closest to the venue. She worked as a freelance contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper from 2020 - 2025. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on X @nancysjanis417. Check out the CCC Facebook page.