Back in August 2023 I attended Escape to Margaritaville at Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island and had a rip-roaring good time. On Friday I got to travel back to that tropical island via Quad Cities Music Guild’s rendition of the show. With apologies to Denny Hitchcock and the cast and crew and detracting nothing from their performance, even though there were a couple of miniscule imperfections, I liked the Guild’s performance even better than Circa’s. Congratulations to Luke Vermeire and Stephen Scott, book and music directors, for an outstanding production.
The show’s story revolves around Rachel, a focused, dedicated scientist, who’s combining a tropical pre-nuptial get-away for her besty, Tammy, with her quest to collect volcanic soil to further her research developing a super potato that will change the world. Upon arrival on the island, Tammy meets Brick, who is genuinely attracted to her, which tempts the vulnerable Tammy to reconsider marriage to the boorish groom who awaits her back in Cincinnati; uptight Rachel meets her exact opposite, the island’s Lothario and local entertainer, Tully, and she falls under the spell of both the relaxed island life and the less than ambitious Tully. When the two women prepare to return to Cincinnati and their mundane lives the island’s volcano erupts sending everyone on the island running for their lives.
This kitschy and quaint tale takes off and weaves its way through Jimmy Buffet standards that advance the plot as deliciously as a – well – a cheeseburger in paradise.
Heading up this dynamite cast as Tully and Rachel are Jack Bevans and Kirsten Sendelar (of Circa 21 Bootlegger fame). Bevans captures the quintessential Buffet casual vibe and Sendelar’s vocals soar. Madison Duling and Andy Sederquist portray Tammy and Brick. Sederquist plays Brick as a bit flaky which I found absolutely endearing and Duling is the perfect bride with cold feet. There’s one more love interest couple simmering underneath; they are J.D. and Marley brought to life by Michael Van Belle and Emily Schwartz. While Van Belle’s vocals are a bit weak his characterization is huge. Schwartz nails a Caribbean accent but some of her lines were lost because of it and the speed at which she delivers them.
The entire cast were obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves evidenced by the energy with which they performed and the finale was a blast bested only by the post curtain call reprise.
Lending to the incredible set designed by Robert Crist, was the placement of the band – in costume – upstage from the action. Because Tully is the island’s entertainer it fit right in to the action. However there were a few places the band’s volume drowned out the singers.
All in all this show is the perfect prelude to summer and you’ll be sorry if you miss it.
Escape to Margaritaville continues at Quad City Music Guild in Moline’s Prospect Park, Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. If you’re new to Music Guild, be advised that parking at the theatre is limited to the handicapped and to volunteers only. All others can catch a shuttle from the Southpark Mall’s parking lot east of Dick’s Sporting Goods.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg…hey, has anyone seen the salt shaker?