July 23, 2021
12 The Weekly Sentinel
WS
~ Arts & Entertainment ~
“Escape to Margaritaville” a Sunny, Funny Summer Romp, a la Jimmy Buffett vana for COVID-weary patrons — two hours of sheer escape fueled by non-stop boozing, beaching and romance, set to Jimmy Buffett’s pleasure-seeking soundtrack, including his biggest hits “Margaritaville,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and the piece de resistance “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Buffett fans Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley (they met on “Yes, Dear,” which Garcia created and O’Malley, a Nashua, N.H. native, acted in) wrote the book, tapping into the successful formula of other jukebox musicals, like “Mamma Mia!,” and wrapping the predictable plot around hit tunes from Buffett’s
By Nancye Tuttle, Staff Writer OGUNQUIT It’s party time at the Ogunquit Playhouse! Margaritas flow, beach balls bounce, and everyone’s in high spirits — their highest in 18 months. All this bright effervescence comes our way thanks to “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville.” The frothy, flighty, feel-good musical opened Friday night and hangs around in the island-theme-decorated Leary Pavilion — think colorful party lights strung on high and palmthatched drink and souvenir shacks around the perimeter — through August 28. The show is vacation nir-
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long, tropic-focused career. It involves beach bums Tully, a guitar-toting-and-singing Buffett-clone, and Brick, a slap-happy, drunken bartender and their fleeting island romances with studious Rachel, a scientist, and pleasingly plump Tammy, her party-hearty galpal, at the run-down Margaritaville hotel. The girls are there for a week of pre-wedding (Tammy’s) drinking and partying, no questions asked — but only after serious Rachel gathers dirt from near the island’s dead volcano for her far-fetched electricity generating invention. There’s also an inkling of romance between hotel owner Marley and aging, eccentric J.D., another beach bum intent on finding hidden treasure. The volcano erupts — of course — sending tourists into a tizzy as they evacuate the island. It also forces Tully to admit he loves Rachel and sends the islanders off to Cincinnati — on J.D.’s seaplane, no less. There, they crash Tammy’s rehearsal dinner, where she quickly ditches Chadd and runs off with Brick to consummate their lust. The whirlwind plot culminates three years later with a wedding — naturally — in the refurbished hotel on the island, now fully recovered from the volcano. Richard J. Hinds, who directed the Playhouse hit “Mamma Mia!” four years ago, helms this crazy “Escape” with a steady hand and little
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seriousness. His stellar cast includes stand-out performances from adorable Megan Kane and goofy Matt Wolpe as the comic couple Tammy and Brick. Jake David Smith, in fine voice as Tully, woos Cailen Fu’s steadfast Rachel with his charm and music. Their pairing presents the show’s only serious note. The entire cast is into “Escape’s” devil-may-care merriment, performing several great production numbers with overthe-top song and dance — and I especially loved the fabulously fun-filled “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Inventive designs, includ-
Hospital Displays Summer Scenes YORK The Art Committee of York Hospital is pleased to welcome local photographer Kevin Molloy and his inspiring sunlit scenes. Kevin Molloy’s photographs are currently on display at the York Hospital Online Art Gallery through August 14. Kevin is a passionate landscape photographer, a juried member of the New Hampshire Art As-
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ing Nate Bertone’s colorful sets and Dustin Cross island-inspired costumes, enhance this bright production’s pure escape. “Escape” had a short Broadway run, closing in July, 2018, after four months and no Tony Award nominations. But who cares? It’s found new life at the Playhouse — its first regional offering and one created for Ogunquit audiences. Whether you’re a parrot head or not, “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” is just what we need right now this summer. Head there, post haste, to escape reality for a bit — and don’t forget your flip-flops.
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sociation and an ambassador for the Shutterbugs for Charity. He has won several local photo contests as well as multiple winning images in AAA’s annual photo contest – with images published in AAA’s magazine “Northern New England Journey”. Most of Kevin’s images are New England landscape photos highlighting nature, many with a water element in them. To view Kevin’s photograph’s visit www.yorkhospital.com/online-art-gallery/. In addition to showcasing beautiful artwork and supporting local sales, the new virtual art gallery also focuses attention on York Hospital’s mission to care for all in our community when needed most. A portion of the proceeds from each piece sold will be donated to support the independent nonprofit hospital. Art Committee Chair Cynthia Hosmer states: “We are so pleased to promote these beautiful works of art to the public again – and to provide inspiration to our frontline medical staff who bravely cared for all during the pandemic. York Hospital is a special place and an important part of our community, and we’re hopeful that the online gallery will help raise funds during this challenging time.” For more information about photographs on view in this online gallery, or to make a donation to the Caring for All Fund at York Hospital, contact Community Relations at 207-351-2385 or info@yorkhospital.com.