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

Mr. Saturday Night

 Mr. Saturday Night
Nederlander Theatre
April 23, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Mr. Saturday Night

Billy Crystal lights up Broadway in Mr. Saturday Night.  The show is full of one liners, double takes, and heartfelt moments.  The book is written by the same three who wrote to original move (Billy Crystal, Lowell Ganz, & Babaloo Mandel).  Jason Robert Brown’s score is lively and memorable.  Amanda Green’s lyrics are witty and character driven.  Director John Rando brings all the elements together and shines them up to create a fun new musical.  

The year is 1994.  Buddy Young Jr. (played by Billy Crystal), who was a famous TV comic in the 1950s, is now performing in Senior Homes and feels he has hit bottom.  When he is mistakenly listed as “recently deceased” on the Emmy Awards presentation, his brother Stan (played by David Paymer) flies in from Florida.  Stan was Buddy’s manager in the early days, until they had a falling out.  The Today Show calls Buddy for an interview to correct the error from the Emmy Awards.  Buddy feels this is his chance to make a comeback, so Stan calls in a favor with a big agency, who sends Annie Wells (played by Chasten Harmon) to discuss the possibilities.  In his usual style, Buddy manages to insult Ms. Wells, but she still wants to represent him.  Buddy has a rough road ahead, not just with his career, but in building back the relationship with his brother and healing the relationship with his daughter, Susan (played by Shoshana Bean).  

David Paymer & Billy Chrystal in the 1992 film
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Billy Crystal’s timing during his stand-up routines and old comedy sketches is impeccable.  He and David Payne have a strong connection as brothers, both having played these roles in the original 1992 film.  Their relationship plays out through rhythm and comic timing.  They create a few very serious moments that are genuine and touching.

Randy Graff plays Buddy’s wife, Elaine.  Her character is a grounding force for Buddy.  She is solid and charming in this role, keeping the characters around her connected and the action moving.  Shoshana Bean is engaging and charismatic as Susan.  Her energy pushes each scene forward.  Her solos are strong and emotionally engaging.  Chasten Harmon brings heart and determination to the character of Annie Wells.  She raises the stakes and builds the momentum of the story. 

David Paymer, Billy Crystal, Shoshana Bean, & Chasten Harmon
Photo courtesy of Mr. Saturday Night

The ensemble is made up of three amazing performers: Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales, and Mylinda Hull.  Each play numerous roles that resurface throughout the story.  They are full of surprises, while skillfully keeping the action connected and delivering the laughs.  

Mr. Saturday Night has all the humor and heart you expect from a Billy Crystal project.  The story is touching.  The performances are bold and honest.  The set design, by Scott Pask brilliantly incorporates the video and projection designs of Jeff Sugg.  Get a ticket today.  You will definitely enjoy this show.     

Domenick Danza