Submitted Photo Some of the “Escape to Margaritaville” cast members are, left to right: Christian Gifford, Tacy Crawford, Claire Romich, Shad Huber, Jared Kolles and Mariah Halton.

MSU Summer Theatre is kicking off its 58th season in its newly renovated amphitheater with its first production, Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville.”

“This show is so much fun,” Director Chad Gifford said. “I’ve been thinking about directing it since I first saw it featured in the Macy’s Day parade in 2019. We have a tight cast of only 14 actors who play over 40 different characters. I’m looking forward to the audiences singing along to some of their favorite songs.”

Tickets for the show that began last night and runs through June 18 can be ordered online at msusummertheatre.com or by calling 858-3228. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. each night.

The musical is a tribute to Jimmy Buffett’s music and island lifestyle. Set in a tropical island resort where tourists can escape from their daily routines and let loose in a carefree environment, the story tells of Tully, a charming island bartender, who falls in love with Rachel, a career-minded tourist.

Shad Huber describes his character, Tully, as a smooth-talking playboy who resembles a younger Jimmy Buffett.

“The audience can look forward to hilarious dialogue and tropical country classics from the king, Jimmy Buffet. My favorite part has been figuring out the character of Tully and bringing him to life,” Huber said.

Christian Gifford plays Brick, the bartender at the Margaritaville Hotel and Bar.

“He’s not the brightest but he has a big heart. I’ve been acting for over a decade now and designing for two years now. My favorite part of the show is, honestly, just the music. It is so much fun getting to sing these songs every night, and I think the audiences should look forward to that as well. There’ll be plenty of songs they know and can sing along with,” Gifford said.

Audience members can expect to hear “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and “Volcano,” just to name a few.

MSU Summer Theatre has recently undergone a renovation. “Escape to Margaritaville” will be the first performance with the new canopy and canopy lights.