Epic Jimmy Buffett Musical Coming to New Bedford's Zeiterion

The New Bedford Festival Theatre returns to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford this month with a fun musical comedy. The theater company will perform Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville, with eight shows over two weekends beginning July 17.

Director Liz Bettencourt and actor Nino Ruggeri visited Townsquare Sunday to preview the production.

"New Bedford Festival Theatre loves to bring the best of Broadway to the SouthCoast," Bettencourt said. "Of course, Buffett fans will love it, but I think any musical theater fan will enjoy this production."

An 'Instant Summer' Beach Party on the SouthCoast

Bettencourt promises the production will include all of Jimmy Buffett's greatest hits, from “Margaritaville” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

Actor Nino Ruggeri said he feels like he's been in theater "forever." An Emerson graduate, he now resides in New York and has been part of NBFT's productions twice before.

"This show is everything a musical should be," Ruggeri said. "It's got a great story, it has music that drives it, and I think the audience will fall in love with the characters."

What Is 'Escape to Margaritaville' About?

The story is about Tully, a beach bum, and his bartender friend at Margaritaville, enjoying the life of sun and sand. When the tourists arrive, Tully falls in love and things start to change.

"There is a whole vibe to this musical," Bettencourt said. "It's instant summer, instant beach party, joy and escape." She said patrons for opening night on July 17 will be greeted by a steel drum band on Purchase Street outside "The Z."

Bettencourt said the cast has been rehearsing for a little over three weeks. Fifteen of the 18 cast members are local professionals from all over the SouthCoast and Rhode Island. Three others are from New York.

How to Get Tickets for 'Escape to Margaritaville' at 'The Z'

Tickets for Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville can be purchased at the Zeiterion Box Office or at zeiterion.org.

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Source: Jimmy Buffett’s Ultimate Summer Vibe Is Coming to New Bedford’s Zeiterion