Spotlight On: Duane Campbell
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Escape to Margaritaville. Get to know Duane Campbell who is the Director of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
I’m Duane Campbell, the Executive Director for Connecticut Theatre Company and director of Escape to Margaritaville! I’ve been involved with CTC since its inception in 2014.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I grew up listening to Jimmy Buffett songs and have early memories of my Dad singing some of his favorites. I’m pretty sure I knew most of the words from the Songs You Know By Heart album in elementary school. Erin and I got a chance to go see Escape to Margaritaville with my parents when it debuted on Broadway in 2018. The nods to Jimmy Buffett’s music are hilariously tongue and cheek and at a time when life can be super overwhelming, don’t we all need a lighthearted musical where we can relax and trust that everything will work out for the best? Sure, the nostalgia and beautiful memories shared during “He Went to Paris” may make you shed a tear or two, but five minutes later you’ll be dancing in your seat to Tammy belting out “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Above all else, Escape to Margaritaville is just that, an escape, where we can all just sit back and enjoy our time in the islands.
Who in the show is most like their character?
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
When I’m not volunteering with CTC, I work as Director of Professional Services for Healthcare.com. Between that and my time at the theatre, I stay pretty busy, but I do enjoy a relaxing night off spending time with my wonderful wife Erin and our loveable dog Otto.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“I don’t know.”
What’s your favorite Jimmy Buffett song, and why?
What sort of person is going to love this show?
Of course Jimmy Buffett fans will love the show as you can’t help but laugh at how they incorporate so many nods to Buffett’s lyrics, but ultimately, anyone can come in and expect to have an enjoyable evening. The show itself is self-aware and unpretentious and gives into the outlandish elements. Margaritaville is a state of mind, it’s about living in the moment and finding joy wherever you can. Grab a table seat and don’t forget to bring along a drink or two to enjoy, after all . . . It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
“Escape to Margaritaville” opens on September 12th and runs through September 21st at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“This jukebox musical is the theatrical equivalent of sipping on a frozen drink while lying on a beach chair in the blazing sun.” — FRANK SCHECK of The Hollywood Reporter
““License to Chill” is the right introduction to Margaritaville and the folks who call this island resort home.” — MARILYN STASIO of Variety
