New York City
The production stars Paul Alexander Nolan, Alison Luff, and Lisa Howard.
Full casting is set for the upcoming La Jolla Playhouse production of Jimmy Buffett's new musical Escape to Margaritaville. Directed by Christopher Ashley, it will begin performances May 9 at the San Diego venue and run there through June 18. It will then sail to New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre October 20-28, Houston’s Hobby Center October 31-November 5, Chicago’s Oriental Theatre November 9-December 3, and finally, Broadway in the spring of 2018.
Joining the previously announced Paul Alexander Nolan, Alison Luff (Matilda The Musical), and Lisa Howard are Charlie Pollock, Don Sparks, Andre Ward, and Rema Webb. The ensemble includes Matt Allen, Sara Andreas, Katie Banville, Hanz Enyeart, Marjorie Failoni, Samantha Farrow, Keely Hutton, Justin Keats, Mike Millan, Justin Mortelliti, Ian Paget, Sharone Sayegh, Alex Michael Stoll, Jena VanElslander, and UC San Diego M.F.A. students Andrew Gallop, Volen Iliev, and Mo Rodvanich.
Escape to Margaritaville will include brand-new music, specifically written for the musical by Jimmy Buffett, along with many of his hit songs. The original story was created by co-book writers Greg Garcia (My Name Is Earl) and Mike O'Malley (Shameless).
The creative team includes choreographer Kelly Devine, scenic designer Walt Spangler, costume designer Paul Tazewell, lighting designer Howell Binkley, and sound designer Brian Ronan. Christopher Jahnke will serve as music supervisor.
The musical is described as follows in a press release: "Imagine a place where the sun is hot, the ocean’s warm, and the drinks are as cold as they are plentiful. Welcome to Margaritaville, the island paradise where city folk get away from it all and the locals get into the kind of trouble you can almost always sweet-talk your way out of. This new musical is the story of a part-time bartender, part-time singer, and full-time charmer named Tully who thinks he’s got life all figured out. Until a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything."