TROIKA Entertainment announced 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,” says 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.”
It was a pleasure to sit down with Peter Michael Jordan who plays Brick, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
I believe I was 14 and it was my middle school musical of “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” My parents always thought it was a good idea that I should perform, but honestly I never auditioned like I said I would. But when I heard my school was going to put on “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” I auditioned as I always wanted to play Willie, and I got the part.
What was your first professional role?
This is my first professional role, as I just graduated from Boston Conservatory last May.
How did you get cast in this “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville”?
At the end of your senior year at the conservatory you have a showcase in front of casting directors and agents. Prior to that we live stream our performance, and Camden Garcia (the son of Greg Garcia’s son who co-wrote the book) saw the live stream and he knew that they were casting the show and thought that they may have interest in seeing me. He sent the video to his dad, and Greg contacted me and told me to send the video to the team. After seeing the video they sent me material to film and then I got cast.
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
I would say my overall favorite is Mr. Mister in “The Cradle Will Rock.” That role was particularly special as it wasn’t something that I cast as usually. It was fun to take on, and it was a great show that had a message that I could get behind.
What is your fantasy role?
It absolutely has to be Mama Rose in “Gypsy.”
What should our readers expect from this production of “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville”?
I think they definitely should expect the best of both worlds. Jimmy Buffet fans can come and enjoy music and the island vibe of Jimmy, and regular theater goers can expect a full on Broadway show. I wouldn’t necessarily say his music is normal Broadway, but the fact that they were able to make it into this fabulous show is special and unique.
For more information on Peter you can follow him on Instagram.com/Latifahpeter
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.
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). Choreography is by Tony Award-Nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away), with 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) and Craig Cassidy (Cirque Dreams); and wig, hair & makeup design by Leah J. Loukas (On the Town). Orchestrations are by Michael Utley (License to Chill), with dance music arrangements by Gary Adler (Avenue Q). Music supervision & 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.
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. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So don’t let the party start without you.
Set your mind on Island Time and get there with Brightline! Avoid all the traffic and parking headaches as you “Escape to Margaritaville” this November! Get there in style and on time with dedicated late trains on November 22, 23, 29 and 30. One train will depart for Miami at 10:54PM; two trains will depart for West Palm Beach at 11:12PM and 12:27AM. Show your Broadway ticket and receive a free margarita at the Good To Go locations. Please visit gobrightline.com to check train times and purchase tickets.
For more information, please visit EscapeToMargaritavilleMusical.com.
Tickets for Escape to Margaritaville at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, are available at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33312, browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222. Ticket prices start at $35.50.
