Cast members bring the island spirit to life in Escape to Margaritaville, now playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse. (Image: Omaha Community Playhouse)
By Kaydon Webber
Transporting Audiences to Paradise: Omaha Playhouse Presents Escape to Margaritaville
May 2nd, 2025
The Omaha Community Playhouse’s Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville is an island-inspired musical that proves that paradise is what you make it to be. Featuring the iconic Jimmy Buffet songs such as Cheeseburger in Paradise, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere and of course Margaritaville, the show follows the carefree singer Tully. One day his laid-back life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a career-driven tourist who challenges his view of paradise. Mackenzie Zielke director for Jimmy Buffet’s Escape To Margaritaville says, “It feels almost like a Hallmark movie, that’s set in the tropics.”
With tap dance numbers, guitar solos, as well as places far and wide, this cast of 18 does it all. Actors such as Connor Holben, Kate Madsen, Bryan Kilpatrick and many more work to craft the picture of paradise. Each actor working to produce a tropical world that you can’t help but let go all of your worries as they wash away with the music. Zielke says, “I’m such a sucker for Margaritaville… truly these are some of the most talented, fun, high energy people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”
This is a romantic comedy that charms, captivates and excites Jimmy Buffet fans old and new, however, you do not need to be a Parrot Head to enjoy these nostalgic tunes. Zielke finishes stating, “I’ve really come to appreciate this almost philosophy [Jimmy Buffet] has about life and the need for escape.”
The Omaha Community Playhouse will be whisking audiences away to paradise in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville until May 11th. More information can be found at omahaplayhouse.com
