Theatergoing Parrotheads, Rejoice: 'Margaritaville' Musical Comes to Chicago

Chicagoan, theater-loving Parrotheads have a real treat coming their way late next year. Escape to Margaritaville, the new "Bama Breeze"-based musical from beloved tourist-trope songwriter and king baby boomer, Jimmy Buffett, will open at the Windy City's Oriental Theatre on Nov. 9, 2017.

The production is being billed as a "pre-Broadway" event. Evidently, Margaritaville producers Anita Waxman, Mindy Rich, Beth Williams and Frank Marshall plan to bring the musical featuring the music of "God's Own Drunk" to the Great White Way after the Chicago staging.

Prior to its Chicago run, Margaritaville makes its world premiere at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse in May. According to La Jolla Playhouse's website, Margaritaville tells 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."

As reported by Playbill, the Buffett musical will contain many of Jimmy's biggest hit songs as well as presenting new material specifically tailored for the Margaritaville experience:

"Featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, this new musical is the story of a tropical island resort and its part-time bartender, part-time singer and full time charmer who thinks he's got life all figured out. Until a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything."

Margaritaville is directed by Christopher Ashley. Per the Chicago Tribune, here's what the director had to say about the musical concerning the "Son of a Son of a Sailor":

"It is our hope," Ashley said, "that this show will make you feel like you have been invited to a party. We want to attract the Parrotheads, sure, but also the people who might know only one or two of Jimmy's songs."

So there you have it, folks. Come one, come all to the Buffett-based musical in old Chicago next year. Be prepared to savor the flavor and "cross that wide meridian."

Listen to Buffett's classic "Cheeseburger in Paradise":

TagsJimmy Buffett, Anita Waxman, Mindy Rich, Beth Williams, Frank Marshall, Christopher Ashley, Escape to Margaritaville