The good-times musical transcends its light theme to deliver touching messages of life and love.

Sometimes ad copy for events is full of hyperbole, but Theatre SilCo’s description of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is spot-on: The production does contain “dangerously high levels of fun, spontaneous romance and island vibes that may lead to sudden urges to quit your job and move to the tropics.” It definitely made me want to head to the islands — preferably, one without a volcano — where good vibes dominate and drama ultimately ends happily ever after.

Though the musical physically occurs at 8,790 feet in elevation in Silverthorne’s theater-in-the-round setup, it heats up quickly, resulting in a those “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.”

It all begins with a pre-party full of energetic live music and actors dancing around revving up the crowd 20 minutes before showtime. The theater-in-the-round format is perfect, as it draws in audience members, making it feel like we’re all on the island (and later in Cincinnati) together.

Like Summit County’s resort towns, new groups of rotating tourists flood “Margaritaville” on a weekly basis — a convenient, no-commitment atmosphere that part-time bartender Tully (Jeffrey T. Kelly) takes full advantage of when it comes to women. So when he falls for Rachel (Sophie Jones), an uptight, visiting research scientist, bets about how long it will last begin pouring in.

Meanwhile, audiences secretly bet, or hope, that Tammy (Sydne Lyons) will come to her senses and leave her controlling-but-otherwise-absent fiancée, Chad (Lance Jewett). And, indeed, even before the volcano blows, sparks fly between her and Brick (Chris Mauro), who lives and works on the island.

Photo: Graco Hernández

Plenty to love for Parrotheads

In addition to several Buffett favorites like “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” the musical includes originals — all of which the cast nails, from solos to soaring harmonies.

When musicals are done right, they not only transport you to another world through storytelling, but they also linger in your memory, thanks to memorable songs and heartwarming characters — something Margaritaville achieves seamlessly.

Director Chris Alleman is a master at helping shape believable, heartwarming characters who deliver both lines and songs without a hitch. From beautiful renditions of “Son of a Son of a Sailor” and “He Went to Paris” to the wilder and somewhat raunchy “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw,” high-quality acting, song and dance come together for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Just like all of the other cast members, long-time local actor Bob Moore stands out through the humor, and ultimate lovability, he infuses into his character. He gets the audience going by encouraging them to sing the last word (“Screw”) in Buffett’s ode to horny drunkenness, and, at least on opening night, the audience, mostly dressed in tropical attire, was happy to fill in. “Salt” also becomes a humorous and interactive key word within the story, as do simple but clever puns on Tammy and Brick’s end.

While Buffett’s lyrics mix in a hefty dose of references to drinking, they also add depth to some of the characters and story — and they’re just darn fun. By the end, audiences joined in on the “Fin” song, palms peaked above their heads.

From pre-start festivities to a bonus beyond the standing ovation, Escape to Margaritaville doesn’t miss any chance to ramp up the fun. It even includes a rousing tap dance that the ensemble delivers flawlessly.

As the story builds and characters develop, audiences are left with more than a superficial tropical paradise chock full of good times. Yes, the upbeat music and cast deliver 100% on that front. But Margaritaville also carries audiences through a journey of love and life, fears, fantasies and frustrations, and dreams that, with enough courage and honesty, eventually come true.