It’s 5 o’clock in ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ at Golden West

By Thom deMartino/Orange County Tribune

Sometimes, you have to just go with the flow.

Golden West College has opened its new season in the Mainstage Theater with “Escape to Margaritaville”: starring Whitney Ackerman and directed by Martie Ramm, this jukebox musical is based upon the music of Jimmy Buffett, whose lighthearted, island-themed fare inspired a generation.

The story opens in the Margaritaville Hotel & Bar, as singer Tully Mars (Whitney Ackerman) serenades the jubilantly inebriated crowd. Shortly after, two young women, Rachel and Tammy (Novelee Smedley and Elisa Renae) are newly arrived at the island locale, there for a little relaxation before Tammy’s upcoming wedding. Rachel plans a (not-so) exciting trek to take soil samples from the local volcano for her environmental science work, as Tammy tries to chill and enjoy the local scenery… particularly the bartender, Brick (Liam Cavanaugh).

While Rachel is initially nonplussed by Tully’s advances, Tammy is tempted by the disarmingly charming Brick… but he respects her intentions to be true to her crude and obnoxious fiancé Chadd (Benjamin Rasmussen), even though their attraction is clearly mutual.

Meanwhile, bar staple J.D. (Jay Harbison) is yet again talking about writing his memoirs (which Tully, out of pity, has told him he has a publisher for), all the while making advances towards the long-suffering hotel owner Marley (Saffron Brauer), who continues to rebuff his attempts at flirtation (despite their fling more than 10 years before.)

When Tully accompanies Rachel up the mountain, the pair begin to bond over music and stories of their childhoods…as she is finding herself warming up to him, he’s beginning to discover he’s feeling something deeper than his usual island flings.

What was supposed to be a simple trip is becoming complicated with emotional ties… can these couples find their chill and vibe before the volcano blows?

 Whether you’re a fan of the work of Jimmy Buffet or not, “Margaritaville” is a fun tropical frolic with a cast of charming characters. Those who know the music will be hard-pressed not to sing along with the excellent renditions ( made that much more lively by the skilled work of the band on stage), and those who don’t may find themselves wanting more, and maybe becoming a “Parrothead” (a true blue Jimmy Buffet fan) themselves!

Whitney’s musical performances as Tully are astounding, as is the caliber of Smedley’s amazing voice as Rachel: Maximus Dorsey’s Jamal shines in his (too few) scenes; and Jay Harbison charms as J.D., while the chemistry between Cavanaugh’s Brick and Renae’s colorful Tammy is enchanting.

 It’s a fun frolic through the work of a beloved singer/songwriter, guaranteed to uplift and entice – maybe even inspiring you to take that tropic vacation you’ve always dreamed about.

“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville”: Whitney Ackerman, Novelee Smedley and Elisa Renae star in this jukebox musical adaptation of the beloved work of musician Jimmy Buffett. Now playing through October 13 at the Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Tickets available through the box office at 714-895-8150, x1 or at www.gwctheater.com.