About The Show
Music Theater Works presents the first professional production of JIMMY BUFFET’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE in Chicago since its pre-Broadway run. Set sail for a tropical getaway with this feel-good musical packed with island vibes and beloved Buffett classics. This lighthearted romantic comedy follows Tully, a laid-back island singer, and Rachel, a career-focused tourist, as their worlds collide at a beachfront resort. With a story about adventure, self-discovery and living life to the fullest, ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the ultimate musical vacation for Parrot Heads and newcomers alike.
The North Theatre at the North Shore for Performing Arts in Skokie
October 8 – November 1, 2026
Book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley
Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett
Directed and Choreographed by Brenda Didier
Co-Directed by Sarafina Vecchio
Co-Choreographed by Clayton Cross
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Running time: Two hours and 20 minutes (including intermission)
SHOW DATES & TIMES
- Thursday, October 8 – 7:30pm (Preview)
- Friday, October 9 – 7:00pm (Opening Night)
- Saturday, October 10 – 7:30pm
- Sunday, October 11 – 2:00pm (Post-show talk)
- Wednesday, October 14 – 2:00pm
- Friday, October 16 – 7:30pm
- Saturday, October 17 – 2:00pm
- Saturday, October 17 – 7:30pm
- Sunday, October 18 – 2:00pm (Post-show talk)
- Wednesday, October 21 – 2:00pm
- Friday, October 23 – 7:30pm
- Saturday, October 24 – 2:00pm
- Saturday, October 24 – 7:30pm
- Sunday, October 25 – 2:00pm
- Wednesday, October 28 – 2:00pm
- Friday, October 30 – 7:30pm
- Saturday, October 31 – 2:00pm
- Saturday, October 31 – 7:30pm
- Sunday, November 1 – 2:00pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
Saturday, October 24 at 7:30pm
ASL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE 
The Saturday, October 24 at 7:30pm performance will be ASL interpreted.
Sunday, October 11 & Sunday, October 18
POST-SHOW TALK: Q&A
Stay after the 2:00pm performances on Sunday, October 11, and Sunday, October 18, and join musical theater historian Thomas M. Shea, author of BROADWAY’S MOST WANTED, for a post-show talk exploring the behind-the-scenes history of ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Free with ticket, this engaging discussion is perfect for audiences to learn about the production, its history and more.
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE PARTNERSHIPS
TicketREACH
Music Theater Works supports more than 25 local nonprofits and community organizations and 18 area public libraries through distribution of a minimum of 600 free tickets for every production. TicketREACH is sponsored by Wintrust Financial and Northbrook Bank and Trust.
JIMMY BUFFETT’S FOUNDATIONS
Music Theater Works is pleased to be promoting two of Jimmy Buffett’s foundations, Singing for Change and Save The Manatee, through informational exhibits in the inner lobby of the theater during the run of Escape to Margaritaville. Singing for Change “turns good vibes into good deeds” by honoring Jimmy Buffett’s spirit of giving, helping others, and having fun along the way by offering grant support to thousands of nonprofits across the United States, including five organizations in Chicagoland. The mission of Save The Manatee is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitats for today and for future generations.
CAST
Brian Acker
Tully
Kate McQuillan
Rachel
Khaki Pixley
Tammy
Chase Grabowski
Brick
Tamara Batiest
Marley
Brian James
J.D.
Matt Frye
Chadd, ensemble, u/s Brick
Lili Galluzzo
ensemble, u/s Rachel
Mackenzie Furlett
ensemble, u/s Tammy, dance captain
Andrew Faggion
Ted, ensemble, u/s Tully
Mikala Curless
ensemble
Ivan James
ensemble, u/s J.D., Non-Equity Deputy
Jacob Merschel
Jamal, ensemble
Kelcy Taylor
ensemble, u/s Marley
Kenny Miller
ensemble, swing
Juliet Lopez-Gutierrez
ensemble, swing
CREATIVE TEAM
Brenda Didier (Director and Choreographer)
Sarafina Vecchio (Co-Director)
Clayton Cross (Co-Choreographer)
Linda Madonia (Music Director)
Alina Loewenstein (Associate Music Director)
Amber Wuttke (Intimacy & Violence Choreographer)
Kathy Logelin (Dialect Coach)
Mack Finklea (Stage Manager)
Ryker Blankenship (Assistant Stage Manager)
Bob Knuth (Scenic Designer)
Ab Rieve (Props Designer)
kClare McKellaston (Costume Designer)
Kristen Brinati (Wardrobe Head)
Melanie Saso (Hair, Wig, Makeup Designer)
Macy Rea (Hair, Wig, Makeup Lead)
Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer)
Riley Woods (Assistant Lighting Designer)
Carl Wahlstrom (Sound Designer)
Kalyssa Montoya (Assistant Sound Designer)
Adam Jezl-Sikorski (Master Electrician)
Forrest Gregor (Production Sound Engineer)
Ben Lipinski (Technical Director)
Liz Brachman (Assistant Technical Director)
ORCHESTRA
Linda Madonia (Keyboard/Conductor)
Cara Strauss (Reed)
Greg Strauss (Trumpet)
Eric von Holst (Bass)
Kyle Paul (Guitar 1)
Mike Lockler (Guitar 2)
Tina Laughlin (Percussion)
Lindsay Williams (Drums)
LOCATION
THE NORTH THEATRE
NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE (9501 SKOKIE BLVD, SKOKIE, IL 60077)
Our performance home at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie recently shared updated new safety procedures for future productions.
The new procedures include:
Attendees will be directed to enter using the door closest to their performance space. Each guest must have a ticket, pass or credential to gain entrance to the venue. On busy performance nights when both theatre spaces are in use, audiences may be asked to use both front and side entrances to keep the lines moving. Please follow instructions provided as you arrive at the Center.
In addition, for the safety and security of our guests, employees, and performers, all guests are subject to a reasonable search and inspection of any parcels, bags or purses and hand-held metal detectors may be used. Purses or bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are not permitted in the venue. Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted but will be subject to search. Clear bags are encouraged to keep the security process moving along quickly. Guests may return any prohibited items to their vehicle or dispose of the items prior to entering. No re-entry is permitted.
For more information on the new procedures and a list of items prohibited from being brought into the North Shore Center, please click here.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Music Theater Works performs at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. The North Shore Center is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information go here for for specific questions reach out to info@MusicTheaterWorks.org.
HEALTH & SAFETY
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Please contact James Juliano (SHOUT Marketing & Media Relations) at james@shoutchicago.com.
REFUNDS EXCHANGES
Once your order has been processed, no refunds will be accepted.Please make sure you’ve selected the proper event time and date.Free unlimited exchanges for all subscribers. A single ticket purchase may exchange their ticket for another performance of the same production for a fee of $8.If Music Theater Works cancels or postpones a show, customers may exchange to another performance of the same production (subject to availability) or receive a credit on their account, which they can use for any other production or subscription.
JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, ConcordTheatricals.com.