From the Hollywood Reporter: “Jimmy Buffett Musical in the Works”
Directed by Christopher Ashley, the untitled production is eyeing a 2017 debut.
From a Jurassic World collaboration to … a new musical?
Indeed. A production featuring the music and lifestyle of “Margaritaville” musician Jimmy Buffett is in the works, producers Frank Marshall, Mindy Rich, Anita Waxman and Beth Williams announced Thursday.
Marshall featured his good friend Buffett in Jurassic World with a cameo as a Margaritaville restaurant bartender and included a new song by the musician on the film’s soundtrack. Buffett also performed at the blockbuster’s buzzy premiere party with the film’s star, Chris Pratt.
The as-yet-untitled Buffett show will include an original story by co-book writers Greg Garcia (creator of My Name Is Earl, Raising Hope and Yes, Dear) and Mike O’Malley (Yes, Dear and Glee), with Tony Award nominee Christopher Ashley (Memphis, Xanadu) on board to direct.
The idea of turning ‘Margaritaville’ into a musical has been percolating for quite a while, but finding the right people to tell the right kind of story to go with the right songs from my catalog took some time,” Buffett said in a statement. “Now we have found our crew and I am happy to sail with them to ‘Margaritaville.’ It’s going to be a fun voyage.”
Garcia added: “Buffett’s music means so much to so many people. It’s a lifestyle. A way of looking at the world. We hope to tap into what Jimmy has created and help bring that fun to the stage.” Added Ashley: “Not only is his song catalog a treasure trove, but we also have his unique spirit to draw upon for inspiration.”
While no indication has been given whether the show is aiming for Broadway or a regional tryout, details are expected to be announced for a 2017 world premiere. Ashley serves as artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse, making that seem a likely first destination for the project.