Remember that song? Jimmy Buffett didn’t write it, but (IMHO) he might as well have, and it’s been on my mind ever since seeing the jukebox musical “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville.” It’s based on a plethora of songs written by Jimmy, and is now playing at the Forestburgh Playhouse (FBP) through July 14. 

To be honest, I’m not a fan of Buffett, nor am I all that familiar with his music, save for the title song, although it would appear that there’s a vast catalogue of tunes to choose from and the “Margaritaville” composer has legions of fans.

A jukebox musical is a musical or film in which a majority of the songs are well-known popular tunes, rather than original music written for the stage. This genre has become increasingly popular over the years. It’s a great crowd pleaser, and includes shows such as “Jersey Boys,” (based on the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) “Ain’t Misbehavin” (a tribute to Fats Waller) and the international sensation “Mamma Mia!”—which is all things ABBA. The last features songs loosely strung together with a cheesy plot, replete with star-crossed lovers bumping into each other at a resort in some exotic place. Come to think of it, the plot line is extremely similar (think nearly identical) to that of “Margaritaville.” 

The problem (if there is one) is that I’m not a fan of jukebox musicals. Since there’s an exception to every rule, mine is “Smokey Joe’s Café”—a personal favorite, centered on the incredible songwriting duo of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller—but as Barbara Fox would say, “that is what makes the world go ‘round, and it would be a pretty boring place if everyone liked the same thing.” 

“I’m not in the mood,” I whined to a gal-pal, when making plans to see “Margaritaville” last Thursday. “It sounds insipid. Besides,” I droned on, “I don’t drink. I don’t even know what’s in a margarita.”

“Oh for cryin’ out loud,” my always-chipper friend replied. “Just go. Don’t worry; be happy.”

“I suppose she’s right,” I muttered to the dog, while wondering if Buffett wrote that song. “Besides,” I added, making a mental note to look it up later, “with song titles like ‘Licensed to Chill,’ ‘Five O’ Clock Somewhere’ and ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise,’ the audience will likely be in a festive mood. Maybe it’ll rub off on me.”

In an effort to ensure that, FBP created the “Margaritaville Passport Experience” a special VIP pass which offers ticket-holders an opportunity to “visit the margarita bar on stage; enjoy a refreshing cocktail; mingle with the actors; and pose with the cast for a souvenir Polaroid pic” prior to the show. I did not have a cocktail but chose instead to take photos of people taking photos; schmoose with folks wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis; and introduce That Dog Named Gidget to the playhouse crowd.

I’m not sure that the show made me a Jimmy Buffett convert, but I did heed my friend’s advice and allowed the good vibes to wash over me simply by observing the audience having a swell time. As promised, the show is a non-stop party and peppered with even more songs dedicated to frivolous fun. Directed by Dana Iannuzzi and choreographed by Ashley Klinger, the talented cast belted out frothy tunes such as “Boat Drinks,” “King of Somewhere Hot” and “Why Don’t We get Drunk and Screw” on Dana Weintraub’s tropical island set, colorfully lit by Kevin Kress, while cavorting on stage in an array of equally colorful costumes designed by Kati Stankovich.

The aforementioned cheesy plot included the standard romantic entanglements—true lovers, comic lovers and oddball lovers—and the big numbers rely heavily on the adorable resident company, all of whom have wonderful voices, acting chops and dancing skills that are bound to entertain us all season long.

Chris Marsh Clark (Tully), Casey Martin Klein (Brick), Sarah Coleman (Rachel) and Madison Osment (Tammy) drove the inane plot with aplomb and some serious vocal prowess, but left room for Nattalyee Randall (Marley) to cause the fictitious island’s volcano to erupt every time she opened her mouth, because that woman can sing. 

Every season, I choose one ensemble player as a performer to keep an eye on and this year it’s Jordan Okeke, who lit up the stage with his winning smile. Mark my words—I’m rarely mistaken.

There’s still time to experience this silly, goofy, stupidly fun show (you might even find that lost shaker of salt), and I’ll do my best to take my friend’s advice, even though Jimmy Buffett didn’t write that dumb Bob Marley song, “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Wait… what? According to the Google, Bob Marley didn’t write “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” either, nor did he ever perform it or even hear it. It was released in 1988, several years after Marley’s death. It’s actually a song by Bobby McFerrin, released as the first single from his album “Simple Pleasures.” 

For tickets and information go to www.fbplayhouse.org or call 845/794-1194.