Full disclosure: jukebox musicals aren't my thing. I loved Rock of Ages and All Shook Up and had fun at Beautiful and On Your Feet but ultimately I think they're just a cheap attempt at a cash grab. And this has never been more apparent than at the new Jimmy Buffett jukebox show, Escape to Margaritaville . The creative team behind Margaritaville understand the product they have. They're not trying to make the greatest musical of all time. They are just trying to appeal to the Parrotheads, the people who go to the theater to have a good time. And look, there's nothing wrong with having fun. My favorite show of the season (so far) is Spongebob Squarepants . It's fun and funny and adorable but also smart and well-done. It's clear the creators of the show wanted to create the best show possible. With Margaritaville , this is not the case at all. The whole thing feels cheap and insulting. It's like a theme park show, something you'd see on a cruise ship...
Theater reviews and commentary by Alyssa Maher.