CONTRIBUTED BY
SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE
COLUMBUS, GA. —
Springer Opera House announced two new shows recently.
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE:
Direct from Broadway, the ultimate seaside party musical, “Escape to Margaritaville” opened May 5 on the Springer Opera House mainstage and runs through May 21.
With a live onstage Caribbean rock band, this happy romantic musical comedy features iconic Jimmy Buffett tunes like, “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” “Fins,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and the fan-favorite title song, “Margaritaville.”
This season’s final production is filled with toe-tapping music and infectious energy. It promises to transport theatergoers to an idyllic paradise vacation without ever leaving their seats by telling the engaging tale of Tully, a handsome, flirtatious bartender and singer who spends his days in the laid-back coastal paradise of the Margaritaville Hotel and Bar.
When two adventurous vacationers, Rachel and Tammy, arrive on the island, all of their lives take an unexpected turn. As the sun-kissed beach vibes surround them, love and laughter intertwine, leading to the conclusion that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we least expect. Rounding out the lively cast of characters are the hotel’s owner, Marley, a Trinidadian woman with a skill for being the life of the party; her right hand and fixer, Jamal, who does his best to keep the tourists happy; Tully’s buddy, Brick, a jokester bartender who falls for Tammy, and the mysterious J.D., a chatty local who spends his days fishing, writing his memoirs and drinking whiskey at the island bar.
“The tropical vibe of this show is perfect for our audiences right now as temperatures rise and the Summer celebration season approaches,” said director Paul Pierce, who is concluding his 35th season as head of the State Theatre of Georgia. “This is my last mainstage production before I retire and nothing says retirement like a giant Jimmy Buffett-themed stage celebration. I’ve been to five Buffett concerts over the years so, yes, I guess that makes me a Parrothead.” The Springer’s production also includes a live onstage band that recreates the energy and excitement of a Jimmy Buffett concert.
“I’m so fortunate to be working with my dear friend and colleague, Debbie Anderson, who is musical director on the show,” Pierce said. “Debbie and the Schwob School of Music’s Dr. Paul Vaillancourt have put together a fabulous ten-piece band that includes Buffett’s signature Coral Reefer Band’s steel pan drum to complete the Caribbean sound. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
The universal goal of finding happiness in life’s simplest pleasures resonates with theatergoers, making this production the perfect choice for date nights, staycations and an entertaining outing for those who wish to just “get away.”
The show is recommended for ages 13 and up as it contains the island-themed partying common in Jimmy Buffett’s music. “Escape to Margaritaville” tickets are available via the website springeroperahouse.org or by contacting the box office by phone at (706) 327-3688 or in person at 103 10th St. in Columbus.
A SUPERHERO FOR ALL SEASONS:
The world needs superheroes right now, and it’s the Springer to the rescue. The Springer’s Theatre for the Very Young has partnered with the Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center to present “A Superhero for All Seasons,” a play that features young twin superheroes-in-training working together through a surprising challenge and learning important lessons along the way. Performances began last Saturday, May 6, in the Omnisphere Theater of the science center. The play begins as Shadow and Shine, our young superheroes-in-training, answer the call to meet with the Season’s Council — winter, spring, summer and fall — to see who will move forward from training to become the next superhero. But things go differently than planned. Shadow and Shine’s growing superhero powers are tested when a surprise visitor arrives at the Council meeting. With references to seasons, science, nature and essential life lessons, this play is sure to entertain and educate children of all ages.
“I am so excited for our littlest audience members to see this fun and interactive show,” said Meagan Coscone, director of the production and director of the PAIR Program, a professional development program for teachers developed through the Springer Opera House. “Our director of education, DB Woolbright, helped us create some original music for the show, and it will get stuck in your head. The cast did such a wonderful job creating a show that teaches kids about the seasons and how important teamwork is while still keeping imagination and excitement as the driving force.”
The play features a talented cast of young actors who bring the characters to life with energy and enthusiasm. The interactive nature of the performances means that children in the audience will have the opportunity to participate in the action, making it a truly immersive experience. By incorporating themes like seasons, science and nature, children are inspired to learn more about the world around them while also having fun. Pre-show and museum activities that include crafts, bubbles and books will take place 30 minutes before the show. Museum admission is included with each ticket to the performance. “A Superhero for All Seasons” runs through Saturday, May 13, and includes several arts in education performances. Arts in education performances provide professional theatre experiences for students at a reduced cost which is only available to school groups. To make a school group reservation, call (706) 324-1100 or email education@springeroperahouse.org. For information on individual tickets, visit springeroperahouse.org.