The Wetumpka Depot Players are presenting a stage version of the book Escape to Margaritaville by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley. It features music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett.
“The sun and the moon lined up for us to assemble a stellar cast and artistic team for the show,” Wetumpka Depot Players artist director Kristy Meanor said. “I’m thrilled that Kim Mason, accomplished Depot director and actor, is leading this project that features an incredible live band.”
It centers around a bartender and singer in the Caribbean at “Margaritaville” who falls for a career-minded tourist in a hilarious musical comedy. The show strings together Buffett classics, including Cheeseburger In Paradise, Margaritaville, It’s Five O'clock Somewhere, Fins, Volcano and other hits.
The show is part of the Wetumpka Depot Players 45th season.
Mason isn’t doing “Margaritaville” alone and has brought together musical director Davis Whitfield, choreographer Daniel Harms, stage manager Debbie Bozeman, scenic designer Dara Alldredge and lighting designer Brandon Vick to bring the Buffett tribute to life.
Cast members include Tony Davison as Tully, Caleb Beard as Brick, Taylor Finch as Marley, Jonathan Yarboro as JD, Maggie Rowe as Rachel, Kaitlyn Lawless as Tammy, Jeff Glass as Chadd and Steve Mitchell as Jamal. The ensemble cast includes: Gracie Arnold, Courtney Furlong, Gracie Grant, Mike Higgins, Jenifer Hollett, Charles Lawrence, Sarah Smith, Kennedy Taylor, Javon Ryerson and Bethany Warman.
“Passports aren’t necessary for this trip to the tropical Margarita Hotel and Bar,” Meanor said. “This new musical is a love letter to the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.”
The musical opens with a Thursday show. Friday night is a soldout fundraiser with a fun group of community leaders.
Local celebrity waiters include Spencer Coleman, Michael Morgan, Dr. Eric Mackey, Shane Butler, Marilyn Hawkins, Paula Sargent, Desirae Lewis Jackson, Abbie Weldon, Tra Cosby, Jeff Langham, Mayor Jerry Willis and Frank Bertarelli.
They are bringing their friends together for a night of fun and signing.
Just because Friday’s show is sold out already doesn’t mean others can’t get in on the fun.
The musical runs three weekends Feb. 20-21, Feb. 27-March 1 and March 6-8. Night performances begin at 7 p.m. while Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.
The theater is located in downtown Wetumpka on South Main Street. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at wetumpkadepot.com or in person at Company Street Mercantile. The theater sells concessions for all shows and will offer Margaritaville shirts for sale during all performances.
