The carefree charm of Escape to Margaritaville at the Engeman Theater

An American jukebox musical based on the most loved songs of Jimmy Buffet, the latest offering at the Engeman Theater is fun, vibrant, heartwarming and perfectly cheesy.

Escape to Margaritaville tells the story of worlds colliding in a laid-back and carefree tropical paradise as employees and tourists come to the Margaritaville Hotel to escape the stresses of everyday life. A casual and relaxed feeling is set from the second you arrive at the theater, from the valet drivers in Hawaiian shirts to the lobby tiki bar and specialty drinks. Before the show begins, the audience is invited onstage to grab a drink and dance with performers, who are sporting bathing suits and sunglasses.

It’s two hours of pure entertainment, especially when experienced with a beachy drink in hand.

During the show, popular Buffett songs like "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Come Monday," and "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" are seamlessly integrated into the storyline, played by an on-stage band. At times, the audience sings along and becomes part of the ensemble. Imagine well over a hundred friends and neighbors sitting within the Engeman theater, sipping on a rum punch or margarita singing loudly, “Why don’t we get drunk and screw?” That’s the vibe.

The musical tells the story of Tully Mars, played by Sam Sherwood, a charming and charismatic hotel singer and bartender who enjoys the quick turnaround of tourists, especially women. Somewhat of a local legend, Tully doesn’t plan to keep in touch with his temporary acquaintances and values the pressure-free and open-aired lifestyle on the island. His friend and fellow bartender, Brick, played by Hunter Brown, is a simple-minded and kind man who was never able to live up to his parents’ expectations. His character, with dumb-founded facial expressions, endearing presence, and on-point comedic timing, is one of the show’s highlights.

Friends Rachel (played by Meadow Nguy) and Tammy (played by Maggie Bera) arrive on the island for Tammy’s bachelorette party, just one week before she’s expected to marry her demeaning and overbearing fiance. Rachel is a career-driven woman who’s focused on making the world a better place through her hard work. When she crosses paths with Tully, she isn’t impressed at first, but after a scenic volcano hike and a guitar lesson, they develop a romantic connection. Tully introduces Rachel to the magic of the island, gives her his good luck necklace, and soon realizes that his feelings for her have become much more serious than what he’s experienced in the past.

The two other leads, hotel manager Marley, played by Amanda Bailey, and bar regular J.D., played by Dan Sharkey, are amusing and lovable additions to the cast, with interactive scenes that keep the audience engaged, singing and laughing.

Escape to Margaritaville explores themes of love, self-discovery and the pursuit of a carefree way of life. It celebrates the idea of embracing simple pleasures, letting go of worries and living in the present moment. You’ll walk out of the theater with a warm fuzzy feeling, a little more joy in your heart, and a slight smirk from the risque lyrics and innuendos – a good way to feel while walking down Main Street on a summer evening.

Escape to Margaritaville will play through August 27 with the following performance schedule: Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Some Wednesday and Sunday evenings are available. Tickets are $85 for Saturday evenings and $80 for all other performances. They may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or by visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street in Northport Village.