Picture of Stage Prior to Show Start The Xavierite
From the minds of Bob Gale, Robert Zemeckis, and Alan Silvestri is “Back to the Future: The Musical.” The stage show is an adaptation of the 1985 film, featuring both original music and songs from the film.
The musical premiered on February 20, 2020 at the Manchester Opera House in England. Now, the show plays in multiple countries, including performances throughout the United States.
I had the opportunity to see the performance on July 21, 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City.
As I initially sat down, I was worried. This was my first time ever seeing a Broadway show, and I did not know what to expect. However, the environment of the show eased my fears.
Black lights were in place to light up technological aspects and they were utilized throughout the show alongside many eye-catching special effects.
As soon as the show began, my eyes were glued to the stage. The beginning of the first film was reenacted with Marty McFly (Casey Likes) testing his guitar on a loudspeaker owned by Doc Brown (Roger Bart).
The acting was phenomenal, and I was sold by Bart’s portrayal as Doc. However, I did notice some changes made to the Broadway adaptation.
Instead of being shot by terrorists, Doc is subject to radiation poisoning. This inevitably sent Marty back in time by accident, as he attempted to reach the hospital for medical supplies.
As the DeLorean Time Machine rolled onto the stage, I felt like I was a child seeing the movie for the first time. I felt pure wonder and awe at the sight of the nostalgic car, but it was nothing compared to when the time travel sequence began.
Silvestri’s track “Don’t Drive 88!” started while the DeLorean’s wheels began to spin. As the car turned around, projections of the road showed the beginning of the time travel process. The lights grew brighter, and what seemed like thunder and lightning ended up sending the theater back to 1955.
The sets for the musical were outstanding. Additionally, the cast had changed outfits almost instantly.
As the story progressed, I fell in love with the original songs created for it. Among my favorites are “Gotta Start Somewhere” and “For the Dreamers.” Not only were they extremely catchy, but they set the mood just right.
I appreciated older music such as “Johnny B. Goode” and “The Power of Love” because it brings nostalgia, but also feels quite original since the story is different.
However, the story of Marty McFly making his parents fall in love remains the same. When I had seen the show, I believed that George McFly’s portrayal by Hugh Coles was identical to that of the film. Funnily enough, even the voice was spot on.
Perhaps my favorite part of the show was at the end, when George McFly announces his newest book: “Back to the Future: Part Four.” It was an obvious joke about the sequel speculation that’s been going on for years despite Michael J. Fox’s retirement from acting.
I believe that the story was an incredible amount of fun, even when Marty and 1955’s Doc part ways. However, it was tremendously carried by special effects.
Seeing the DeLorean fly above the audience was remarkable. I was on the edge of my seat as it passed above us, and I have no clue how they did it. It is truly magical.
I would recommend “Back to the Future: The Musical” any day of the week. Even though it is a musical, the show is a breathtaking experience that felt more like a life-changing adventure. In my case, it inspired me to see more broadway shows.
With the North American tour in full swing, the show will be at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre from August 13 until September 1.
Tickets for all days can be purchased online through secondary markets, but they are selling quickly.