Back to the Future

 Back to the Future
The Musical
Winter Garden Theatre
February 20, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The Broadway production of Back to the Future is absolutely amazing!  It is high tech, fast paced, and non-stop fun.  Chris Bailey’s choreography authentically connects the time period with energy and enthusiasm.  Director John Rando brings this phenomenal cast together to tell a story that is full of heart.

The year is 1985.  Marty McFly (played by Casey Likes) receives a message from his friend, Doc Brown (played by Roger Bart) to meet him at the mall parking lot at 1:20 AM.  Marty has a steady girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Mikaela Secada), but his family life is bleak.  His father, George (played by Hugh Coles) is bullied by his boss, Biff (played by Nathaniel Hackman).  His mother, Lorraine (played by Liana Hunt) is overweight and drinks too much.  When Marty arrives at the mall parking lot, Doc suddenly appears in a DeLorean, which he transformed into a time machine.  When Doc demonstrates how to program the DeLorean, he realizes he has been poisoned by the plutonium used to propel the machine for time travel.  Marty jumps into the car to get help.  As the car hits 88 mph, Marty is transported back to 1955.  As he searches for Doc to help him get back to the future, Marty runs into his teen age parents, and disrupts the events that lead to their first kiss and eventual marriage.  Marty has to reconcile these events before returning to 1985.       

Casey Likes as Marty McFly
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The show hits 88 mph from the top, and does not slow down for two and a half hours.  There are a few plot points missing from the original movie, but that is what keeps this musical version tight and effective.  Roger Bart and Casey Likes have an amazing bond as Doc Brown and Marty McFly.  Their comic timing is perfect.  They share a few touching and genuine moments on their wild adventure.  Hugh Coles is hysterical as George McFly.  His physicality is flawless.  Liana Hunt nails the role of Lorraine.  Her energy is high and her youthful zest is spot on.

Roger Bart & Dancers
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The creative team were all involved with the original film franchise.  The book is by Bob Gale.  The music and lyrics are by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.  The production is co-created and produced by Robert Zemeckis.  The respect and creative ownership of the material is evident in the attention to detail and high quality of the production.  It is an amazing experience.  You must see it for yourself.

Back to the Future is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.  It is high energy and a lot of fun.  You must see it!   

Domenick Danza