Rogers-Lowell Area News

Complete Casting Announced for North American Tour of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville Coming to Walton Arts Center

TROIKA Entertainment announced today the casting for the North American tour of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville. The musical will star Chris Clark as Tully, Sarah Hinrichsen as Rachel, Shelly Lynn Walsh as Tammy, Peter Michael Jordan as Brick, Rachel Lyn Fobbs as Marley, Patrick Cogan as J.D. and Matthew James Sherrod as Jamal/Ted.

The company will also feature Sophie Braud, Noah Bridgestock, DeVon Buchanan, Anthony Cataldo, Chantelle Cognevich, Katie Davis, Nico DiPrimio, Fabian-Joubert Gallmeister, Diego Alejandro González, Bobby Hogan, Aimee Lane, Victoria Price, Trent Soyster, Emma Stricker, Jade Turner, Morgan Unger and Tyler Whitaker.

“This talented cast has been hand-selected to share and celebrate the story, music and lifestyle of this show on its first national tour,” said Jimmy Buffett. “I am thrilled that this group of performers will transform theaters into Margaritaville each evening. Margaritaville started out as an idea, but now you can actually spend an evening there, and get your mind on island time.”

With a book by Emmy Award®-winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy Award-nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), Escape To Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. Orchestrations are by University of Arkansas alumnus Michael Utley (License to Chill), with dance music arrangements by Gary Adler (Avenue Q).

The tour launches this fall and will play over 35 cities in its first year on the road including an eight-show run at Walton Arts Center from October 22-27. Tickets start at $32 plus applicable fees and can be purchased in-person at the Walton Arts Center or Walmart AMP box offices, by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.

Patrons also can get reserved parking for $7 when they purchase their show tickets and discounted tickets to a Tropical Garden Party featuring Paul Tull and The Amazing Islanders on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4:30-7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 when you purchase a show ticket. Presented in partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Parrothead Club, proceeds from the party benefit Serve NWA’s New Beginnings.

Based on the original direction by Tony Award®-winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away), this production is under the helm of Amy Anders Corcoran (Freaky Friday). Music supervision and arrangements and additional orchestrations are by Christopher Jahnke (Porgy and Bess), with music direction by Matthew Smedal (Clueless: The Musical). Casting is by Binder Casting/Chad Eric Murnane, CSA.

With choreography by Tony Award-nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away), associate choreography by Andrew Turteltaub (Escape to Margaritaville). Scenic design by Walt Spangler (Tuck Everlasting); costume design by Paul Tazewell (Hamilton); lighting design by Howell Binkley (Hamilton) and Amanda Zieve (Titanic); sound design by Brian Ronan (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Craig Cassidy (Cirque Dreams); and wig, hair and makeup design by Leah J. Loukas (On the Town).

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all – and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music’s greatest storytellers.