By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — The Flowers Center for the Performing Arts was alive with music, laughter, and a deep sense of hometown pride this past weekend as local performers staged Son of a Son of a Sailor: The Story of Jimmy Buffett’s Journey from Nashville to Key West. The original musical, written by Carroll High School alumnus Shawn Shirley and directed by Drew Kelley, drew enthusiastic audiences on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15.
The show traces Buffett’s early career — from his struggles in Nashville to the colorful, transformative years he spent in Key West — told through a mix of comedy, heartfelt reflection, and Buffett’s iconic songs. An older version of Buffett serves as the narrator, looking back on the misadventures, relationships, and choices that shaped his life.
The Dale County Chronicle spoke with a couple of people who attended the production to get their perspective on the experience. One attendee named Amy described the performance as “a wonderfully fun” show brought to life by “homegrown, very talented volunteers,” many of whom grew up performing on the Flowers Center stage. She added that she was moved by how the production reflected the teachings of longtime mentors and theater veterans Margie Benson and the late Rickey Shirley.
“As I watched, I was brought to tears by seeing what Margie Benson and Rickey Shirley taught them over the years come to life,” Amy said. “From writing, directing, acting, singing, to sound tech, stage managing, light tech, set design, set building, and more, they were able to independently do it.”
The musical’s humor and energy delighted the audience, but Amy noted that its core message ran deeper. “The show was narrated by the older version of Jimmy, who had settled down and no longer lived a life of drugs and alcohol. His message was that life is better sober,” she said.
For writer Shawn Shirley, the production is the culmination of years of admiration for Buffett’s music and history. “I’ve been a Buffett fan since my high school days,” Shirley said. “What intrigues me most about him is the songs written during that period in Key West. They’re completely based on life there and the people he associated with. The songs are often subtly specific to his day-to-day life. It’s absolutely a story worth telling.”
Shirley said he has long been fascinated by how Buffett built a devoted following despite receiving little recognition from the music industry. “Until recording ‘5 O’Clock Somewhere’ with Alan Jackson, he’d never had a song reach number one on any chart and had never won any awards,” Shirley said. “For an artist to have such a cult following, with virtually no acknowledgment from the music business, is something very rare. A musical seemed to be the best medium to communicate this great story.”
The project also carried powerful personal meaning for Shirley, whose father, Rickey Shirley, directed music for more than 40 Flowers Center productions before his passing in 2018.
“Much of my life has been in that auditorium,” Shirley said. “Honestly, I am most proud of the fact that my family played such a vital role in this show. The family dynamic pulled Jimmy out of immaturity, substance abuse, and some pretty dark days. Having my family pour their efforts into this project was very appropriate.”
That family legacy extended across the production. “My sister, Michelle, ran lights. My sister, Brenda, was in charge of set design. My nephew, Drew, directed and played younger Jimmy. My nephew, Jackson, ran sound,” Shirley said. “Probably the greatest experience of this show was having my father’s younger brother come from Greenville to play older Jimmy. It was very special having him on the stage where his older brother invested so much of his life.”
Shirley hopes “Son of a Son of a Sailor” will help spark a broader resurgence in local theater.
“I do believe we have tapped into something special by telling stories of artists and songs that people love so much,” he said. He noted that another biographical musical — possibly about Kris Kristofferson — could be on the horizon. “Our hope is to rebuild this community theater and see it thrive, as it is a powerful catalyst for a united community.”
For those who packed the Flowers Center over the weekend, the show was more than a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. It was a celebration of Ozark talent, family legacy, and the enduring spirit of community.
“There was so much talent on that stage!” Amy said, echoing the sentiments of many.
The names of all members of the production crew, cast, and band are listed below:
Production Crew
- Director: Drew Kelley
- Script Writer: Shawn Shirley / Drew Kelley
- Music Director: Shawn Shirley
- Set Construction: Collin Williams, Caleb Tomlin
- Set Design: Kaleb Kelley, Brenda Shirley
- Tech Team: Jackson Kelley, Michelle Kelley, Caleb Tomlin
Cast:
- Younger Jimmy Buffett (1970s): Drew Kelley
- Older Jimmy Buffett (2020): Scott Shirley
- Jerry Jeff Walker: John Crawford
- Rick Bennett: Collin Williams
- Travis Turk / Johnny Carson: Peter Bates
- Conch Man Jerry / Older Jane: Laura Weeks
- Andy Williams / Snake / Tonight Show Producer: Shan Hobson
- Jane: Mackenzie Taylor
- Delaney / Female at Bar: Sara Dunn
- Taco Tom / Man at Bar: Wyatt Watford
- Phil / Mini Mart Cashier: Caleb Tomlin
Band List
- Acoustic/Electric Guitar: Shawn Shirley
- Steel Drums / Electric Guitar: Chuck Davis
- Bass: Bobby Williams
- Congas / Auxiliary Percussion: Juan Cepero
- Keyboard: Tim Moates
- Drums: P.J. Muller
Want more theater? The Flowers Center will host Patty Sings Patsy, a special night of singing Patsy Cline songs as well as Broadway tunes. The show was originally scheduled for December 6; HOWEVER, it has been rescheduled and will now take place on JANUARY 24 at 7 p.m. Also, the area high school musical, Sister Act, will run from February 26-28. This musical will include student cast and crew from Ozark City and Dale County Schools. Tickets will go on sale in January.
The Flowers Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It operates solely on volunteers and generous donations and grants. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please make checks or money orders payable to DCPAC and mail them to 571 Pine Ave. Ozark, AL 36360. You may also deliver donations in person at any show. Additionally, you may contact Brenda Shirley, current president of the Dale County Performing Arts Council (DCPAC), by email at [email protected].
Pictured are (front) Laura Weeks; (2nd row, L-R) Mackenzie Taylor; Drew Kelley; Sara Dunn; John Crawford; (3rd row, L-R) Peter Bates; Wyatt Watford; Caleb Tomlin; Shan Hobson; and Collin Williams. Photo by Brenda Shirley.
Photo by Brenda Shirley
