Review Back To The Future: The Musical
4 Weeks Only Hollywood Pantages Theatre ∙ Nov 5 – Dec 1, 2024
Reviewed by Tenaya Wallace: Back to the Future: The Musical debuted on opening night at Hollywood’s historic Pantages Theater. It transported audiences back to 1985. It offered a thrilling, nostalgia-packed ride beyond that year. The musical is based closely on the beloved film. It hits all the right notes for fans of the original story. It blends humor, adventure, and the iconic feel of the movie with vibrant new theatrical elements.
The production stays true to the film’s plot. It finds fresh ways to bring the story to life on stage. The audience was fully engaged. They laughed at all the classic comedic beats. They applauded the physical humor that made the original film a hit. Costume designer Tim Hatley deserves praise for perfectly capturing the iconic look, adding authenticity and flair to each scene. The energetic dance numbers further enhanced the experience. The ensemble’s precise choreography added a lively and dynamic touch to the musical.
One of the standout achievements of this production was its innovative set design. Tim Hatley also designed it. The design seamlessly blended practical sets with high-tech video projections. The multimedia elements made us feel like we were racing with Marty in the famous DeLorean. We were accelerating to that iconic 88 mph allowing him to leap through time. Watching the time-traveling car in action was impressive stagecraft. It paid homage to the film while also offering something new.
In the role of “Doc,” Don Stephenson was a highlight. He gave a fantastic, endearing performance. It balanced the eccentricity and charm audiences expect from the iconic character. Stephenson is a veteran actor with a rich background in theater and television. He brought a masterful blend of zaniness and warmth. This made Doc one of the night’s most memorable performances. Another standout was Burke Swanson as George McFly, whose impeccable comedic timing and quirky mannerisms drew constant laughs. Swanson’s portrayal added a delightful layer to the character, earning him well-deserved applause from the crowd.
The opening-night audience enjoyed a special appearance from the film’s original creators. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale took the stage to celebrate this adaptation. In a particularly touching moment, several cast members from the original movie joined the musical’s cast. This sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement. This reunion moment was a treat for long-time fans and made the evening truly historic.
Credit Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for Pantages
Despite the many positives, the musical’s score didn’t quite reach the same heights. While the songs were well-executed and competently sung, they lacked the catchy, enduring quality of other Broadway hits. Productions like Wicked or Phantom of the Opera leave audiences humming their signature tunes. In contrast, Back to the Future: The Musical lacks a breakout song that sticks in your mind. It also doesn’t have a song that demands a second listen. The songs serve their purpose in moving the story along, but they don’t add much emotional or memorable weight.
Overall, Back to the Future: The Musical provides an immensely fun and high-energy experience. It is filled with stellar performances and inventive staging. The musical offers a wonderful nod to the beloved film. It’s a must-see for fans of the movie and anyone looking for a night of laughter, excitement, and nostalgia. While it does not have a defining musical hit, it more than compensates with its charm, humor, and creativity.
